Nick Allen gets well deserved call to Triple-A

It was seemingly a matter of time before Nick Allen would take the next step up the ladder. The Oakland A’s prospect had been performing well in Double-A, but had continued to impress outside of the minors. He stood out in the Olympic Qualifying Round, and was one of the more notable players on the US Olympic Team. Allen has certainly attracted notice with his play.

Now he is one step closer to the majors. The A’s are reportedly set to promote Allen to Triple-A, bringing him tantalizingly close to Oakland.

Nick Allen deserves promotion to Triple-A

When the A’s drafted Allen, there were no questions about his defensive acumen. His defense was considered close to major league ready as a high school shortstop, with his arm, instincts, and range all drawing rave reviews. He was considered a future Gold Glove caliber shortstop, provided that he would hit enough to be in the starting lineup.

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That was the question. While Allen certainly had the defensive chops, his bat was suspect. He was never expected to develop any power, but he had decent speed. The question was whether or not he would hit enough, or get on base at a strong enough clip, for that speed to make a difference on the basepaths.

Allen has answered that question. After a breakout 2019 season was cut short due to injury, he was one of the more pleasant surprises of 2021. He had displayed even more with the bat at Double-A, producing a .319/.374/.471 batting line in his 229 plate appearances. Allen’s six homers had already surpassed his career high, and he added nine doubles and eight steals.

It would not be a surprise to see Allen get a look this season. His improved hitting has made him the A’s shortstop of the future, and as Elvis Andrus has not exactly done much to claim the position for himself, a strong month in Triple-A could lead to a call. If nothing else, Allen will get a long look for the 2022 season.

Nick Allen has been promoted to Triple-A. The Oakland A’s prospect is one step away from reaching the majors.