The Cleveland Indians’ closer, Cody Allen, had quite the season in 2015, as noted by Katrina Putnam. The former 23rd-round pick continued to improve by reducing the number of home runs he allowed and by slicing away at the percent of batters he walked. Across 69 dominant innings, the right-hander accrued 34 saves in 38 appearances. Even more impressive, he fanned an astounding 99 batters.
This success, however, will inflate his price tag in 2016, as he will be arbitration eligible for the first time. My model projects a $3.5 million dollar salary for the soon-to-be 27-year-old, and this seems like an accurate prediction.