In a surprising turn of events, outfielder Greg Allen has officially opted for free agency, turning down a minor league assignment with the Baltimore Orioles. This decision follows his designation for assignment, which occurred after the team made a crucial roster move by promoting promising prospect Dylan Beavers. Allen, who had cleared outright waivers, faced a challenging stint with the O’s, where he made only seven appearances, failed to secure a hit in 14 at-bats, and struck out five times while grounding into two double plays.
Allen’s brief time in Baltimore was marked by missed opportunities. Having signed a big league contract on August 8, shortly after his release from a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs, expectations were high. Unfortunately, his performance did not meet the mark, leading to speculation about his future on the roster even if he had found his footing at the plate. The Orioles had strategic plans in place, intending to promote Beavers mid-August, which would allow him to remain rookie-eligible for the following season. This move could potentially benefit the team in terms of draft picks if Beavers thrives and earns awards consideration.
In addition to this development, the Orioles welcomed back Colton Cowser from a brief stint on the injured list, further complicating Allen’s situation. From the outset, it was clear that Allen was seen as a temporary solution for the outfield, a stopgap player rather than a long-term asset.
This marks Allen’s first foray into Major League Baseball action in two years, with his last appearances coming in 2023 while playing for the New York Yankees. Over eight seasons, he has established himself as a reliable fourth or fifth outfielder, known for his speed and versatility across all three outfield positions. Earlier this season, he showcased his capabilities in Triple-A with the Cubs, boasting an impressive batting line of .270/.355/.440. Now, as he enters free agency, it’s anticipated that he will secure another minor league deal with a new team, as his journey in professional baseball continues.
