Latest MLB News: Cody Allen Says His Farewell to Baseball

The news came from the Indians Twitter account, as their most recent tweet saying: “From a 23rd round draft pick to the franchise saves [leader]. Congrats on a great career, Cody. Happy Retirement."

Latest MLB News: Career Highlights

Allen made his MLB debut in Cleveland in 2012 and made a limited amount of appearances. However, he would see an increased role in the soon-to-be dominant bullpen the following season, ending his 2013 campaign with a 6-1 record and a 2.43 ERA.

After his breakout season in 2013, Allen became a staple in the Indian"s pitching core. From 2014-2018, he became the Indians dynamic closer. His work during those seasons is still highly undervalued, as the veteran pitcher would total 147 saves in a span of five seasons. He now holds the most saves in franchise history, as he tops Bob Wickman with 149 career saves in the navy and red.

His most notable season was in 2016, as the 27-year-old finished the season with 32 saves and had a historical postseason performance. His ability to take control of games late allowed for the Indians to run through the AL and take the Chicago Cubs to seven games. He would finish the playoffs with six saves and 24 strikeouts, while not allowing a single earned run.

Tribe fans still remember hearing Allen"s famous walk-out song, God"s Gonna Cut You Down by Johnny Cash during their deep playoff run, knowing that the fate of the game was in safe hands.

With the acquisition of left-handed reliever Brad Hand on Jul. 19, 2018, the Indians knew the Allen-era would come to an end quickly. The Indians would let him walk, as he would sign with the Angels on Jan 17, 2019. Los Angeles hoped he would be the piece needed to give Mike Trout his first World Series.

Instead, they had to deal with an injury-ridden season from Allen, as his multiple trips to the IL led him to pitch only 23 innings and tally four saves in 2019.

After the 2019 season, he would bounce around from team-to-team, ultimately landing with the Texas Rangers for the 2020 season, but his chance of reviving his career ended abruptly, as he would sit out for the shortened season.

While given the opportunity to play again in 2021, he decided that it was time to hang up the cleats and move on from baseball.

The former 23-round pick would defy all odds, as he totaled 153 saves and 593 strikeouts in his eight seasons in the MLB.

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