Indians closer Cody Allen tied the Indians franchise record for saves on Tuesday night, closing the team’s 6-4 win over the Royals for his 17th save of the season and the 139th save of his career.
He now is tied with former Indians closer Bob Wickman for the most saves in franchise history with 139.
- Cody Allen (2012-present): 139 saves
- Bob Wickman (2000-2006): 139 saves
- Doug Jones (1986-1991, 1998): 129 saves
- Chris Perez (2009-2013): 124 saves
- Jose Mesa (1992-1998): 104 saves
Allen has been the team’s full-time closer since the 2014 season and has been a consistent closer for the Tribe during these last five seasons.
Originally drafted by the Indians in the 16th round of the 2010 MLB Draft, he didn’t sign and went back to school and the Indians drafted him again in the 23rd round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
Rising through the farm system quickly, Allen made his major league debut in 2012 making 27 appearances with a 0-1 record and a 3.72 ERA.
His “rookie season” in 2013 seen Allen make 77 appearances, finishing 12 games with a 6-1 record, 2 saves and a 2.43 ERA while Chris Perez was still the team’s closer. Allen finished sixth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
In 2014, Allen transitioned into the closer role for the club and Allen made 76 appearances (finished 44 games) with a 6-4 record, 24 saves and a 2.07 ERA.
In 2015, Allen had his best season to date with 70 appearances (leading the majors with 58 games finished), a 2-5 record, career high 34 saves and a 2.99 ERA.
In 2016, the Indians made a run to the World Series and the Indians made the acquisition of Andrew Miller to help the bullpen and many wanted him to replace Allen as the closer but Terry Francona wouldn’t budge. Allen made 67 appearances (finishing 55 games) with a 3-5 record, 32 saves and a 2.51 ERA.
In the postseason, Allen pitched in 10 games (finishing 8 games) with 6 saves, allowing 8 hits and striking out 24 batters in 13.2 innings pitched. The success Allen and Miller produced out of the bullpen helped push the Indians to Game 7 of the World Series where they ultimately lost to the Cubs.
Last season, Allen once again had a solid season as the closer with 69 appearances (55 games finished) with a 3-7 record, 30 saves and 2.94 ERA.
This season, Allen has already made 35 appearances (28 games finished) with a 2-3 record, 17 saves (currently 7th in AL) and a 3.48 ERA.
He’s been in the top ten in saves in the American League for five consecutive seasons (including 2018) and is one of the underrated closers in baseball. When the bullpen is at full strength while he is the closer, he’s in the shadow of Andrew Miller to the national media and fan base and it’s a shame.
Allen is a free agent this upcoming offseason and it’s more than likely he’ll be leaving Cleveland like many other homegrown talent before him but hopefully the fans will give him the credit he deserves when he breaks this franchise mark in the coming days or the next week because he absolutely deserves it.
The North Coast Sports 