Allen announced his retirement from professional baseball Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Heyman relays Allen drew some interest from MLB teams this offseason, he likely would have had to settle for a minor-league deal containing limited guaranteed money if he wanted to keep his career going. Rather than attempting a longshot run at an Opening Day bullpen role with an organization, the 32-year-old will call an end to a mostly productive eight-year run in the big leagues. The right-hander retires with a career 3.14 ERA and 153 saves between stops with Cleveland and the Angels.

Allen was released by the Cubs on Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen had been working at the alternate training site, but obviously didn't show enough of his old self to warrant consideration for a promotion.

Allen signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs on Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander was released by the Rangers last week, but he'll now receive an opportunity in the Cubs' 60-man player pool. Allen struggled to a 6.26 ERA in 25 outings with the Angels last season before being released in June. Chicago's bullpen has been terrible through the first week of the season, so the club is undoubtedly hoping the 31-year-old can reinvent himself and become a reliable option.

Allen was released by the Rangers on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old appears to be aging quite quickly. After saving 147 games for Cleveland from 2014 to 2018, he lost the closer role for the Angels by the end of April last season and was eventually let go after struggling to a 6.26 ERA in 23 innings. He failed to make an appearance for the Twins in the second half of 2019 after signing on a minor-league deal and now won't get the chance to appear for the Rangers either. He's in theory interesting on the open market as a reclamation project, but with three teams giving up on him in a span of just over 13 months, his odds of playing a significant role anywhere this year appear quite low.

Allen was reassigned to the Rangers' alternate training site Sunday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen was able to work as a non-roster invitee during camp, but he'll report to the team's alternate training site ahead of the regular season. The right-hander was healthy this summer after dealing with arm issues during spring training and could be an option for the major-league bullpen if injuries occur this season.

Allen threw in a simulated game Friday and showed he is past the sore arm issue he had during spring training, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen, who is a non-roster invitee, showed improved life on his fastball, per manager Chris Woodward. His closing experience makes him an interesting reliever to watch during summer camp.

Allen has made the Rangers' 60-man player pool.

EDGE Analysis

Allen remains a non-roster invitee in advance of the three week summer camp that precedes the kickoff to the regular season. He's an interesting player that brings closing experience to a team that has one of the least stable closer situations. Jose Leclerc opens the season as closer, but it's a job he lost last season due to command issues.

Allen (elbow, forearm) is feeling good and has been throwing at Globe Life Field during the pandemic, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen experienced minor arm issues during the original spring training, which limited his opportunity. The Rangers hoped to get a better look at the right-hander and former Indians closer, though they should get that chance in a second spring training. If he's healthy and on form, Allen could be a candidate for saves if manager Chris Woodward wants to use current closer Jose Leclerc as a multiple-inning weapon. Leclerc is the closer entering the season, but he did have issues during 2019. Rafael Montero is also a consideration for save chances.

Allen (elbow, forearm) threw 12 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen experienced soreness in his elbow and forearm and was shut down for a week before resurfacing Tuesday. He's next scheduled start is a split squad game Thursday against the Cubs. Allen was Cleveland's closer from 2013 to 2017, and the Rangers hope he regains that form, which would give manager Chris Woodward options at the back end of the bullpen.

Allen was shut down over the past week due to forearm and elbow stiffness, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Following a week of inactivity, Allen is scheduled to face hitters in a simulated game Tuesday. "The elbow was barking pretty good after that last game," Allen said. "We're playing it slow. It's still early. A simulated game [Tuesday]. It's feeling pretty good, so hopefully we still have a good amount of time left." The Rangers have another three weeks to go before their final spring training game March 23, which should give him enough time to be ready for the regular season. Allen allowed three runs on two hits and a walk over one inning in his lone spring appearance.