In a move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the Baltimore Orioles have swooped in to sign former New York Yankees outfielder Greg Allen to a major league contract for the remainder of the 2025 season. The announcement, made on Friday, comes on the heels of the Orioles trading away outfielders Cedric Mullins and Ramón Laureano at the trade deadline, signaling a strategic pivot to bolster their roster with veteran depth.
Greg Allen, a journeyman outfielder known for his speed and versatility, brings a wealth of experience to Baltimore’s outfield. The 32-year-old began the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs, after signing a minor league deal in February. Over 61 games and 231 plate appearances, Allen showcased his offensive prowess, posting a .270/.355/.440 slash line with six home runs, 32 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. Despite his strong performance, the Cubs released him on June 3, only to re-sign him a week later. However, his tenure with Chicago ended abruptly with another release on August 4, paving the way for Baltimore’s unexpected acquisition.
We have agreed to terms with OF Greg Allen on a one-year contract for the 2025 season.
Welcome to Birdland, Greg! pic.twitter.com/Wz2Zd1L1dH
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 8, 2025
Allen’s history with the New York Yankees adds intrigue to this signing. His first stint with the Yankees began in January 2021 when he was traded from the San Diego Padres in exchange for left-handed pitcher James Reeves. After starting the season in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Allen earned a call-up to the majors in July, where he impressed with a .270/.417/.432 line over 15 games and 48 plate appearances. However, the Yankees waived him in the offseason, and he spent 2022 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he struggled, hitting just .186/.260/.271 across 134 plate appearances.
Undeterred, Allen’s journey continued with a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2023, followed by a trade back to the Yankees in May of that year. In 22 games with New York, he batted .217/.333/.478 over 28 plate appearances, showing flashes of his potential. After a brief stint with the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization to close out 2023, Allen returned to the Yankees in 2024 on another minor league contract. Though he didn’t reach the majors, he posted a respectable .223/.335/.351 line across 229 plate appearances with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Somerset.
With a career spanning 304 major league games, primarily with the Cleveland Guardians, Yankees, and Pirates, Allen boasts a .231/.300/.340 slash line, 11 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 48 stolen bases. His speed on the basepaths and defensive versatility make him a valuable addition to an Orioles team looking to maintain their competitive edge in the American League.
This signing is a masterstroke for Baltimore, who have quietly added a seasoned veteran to their outfield mix at a critical juncture. As the Orioles push for playoff contention, Allen’s experience and hustle could prove to be the X-factor in their quest for glory. Meanwhile, Yankees fans are left wondering how their former outfielder slipped through their fingers, only to land in the hands of a division rival. The baseball world is buzzing, and all eyes are on Baltimore to see how this secret deal reshapes their 2025 campaign.