Chicago Cubs Sign 7-Year Veteran Outfielder
Allen, 31, has spent parts of seven seasons in the majors with the Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Bringing speed and defensive versatility, he has a career slash line of .231/.300/.340 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs. Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times first reported the signing, noting that Allen “can add some cover at all three outfield positions and bring an element of speed” to the Cubs' system.
SIGNING: The Chicago Cubs have signed OF Greg Allen to a minor league contract & has been invited to Spring Training, per @maddie_m_lee
— Just Another Year Chicago: Cubs (@JAYChi_Cubs) February 21, 2025
Allen is 31 y/o and played in 22 games for the NYY in '24.
Welcome, Greg! pic.twitter.com/lMPAjKZ4In
Despite his offensive struggles, Allen has made a career out of his ability to contribute on the bases and in the field. He has swiped 48 bases in 57 attempts (84.2%) and regularly provided solid defense, particularly in left field.
The Cubs already have a deep outfield with Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki, along with top prospects Kevin Alcantara and Owen Caissie pushing for playing time.
However, with Caissie currently sidelined by a groin injury and Alexander Canario designated for assignment earlier this week, Allen offers extra depth in case of further setbacks.
Greg Allen laces an RBI double to deep center 💥 pic.twitter.com/VOkbLClYNa
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 2, 2025
Allen is unlikely to break camp with the major league team, but he will bring experience to Triple-A Iowa if he remains in the organization.
His ability to play all three outfield spots and hit right-handed pitching better than lefties makes him a useful depth piece as the Cubs prepare for the season. As one report put it, “there’s really no reason not to stack up on as many depth pieces” in Spring Training, and Allen fits that mold perfectly.
Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
