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The timeline for Nick Allen and the Oakland A’s

By David Hill

May 31, 2021; St. Lucie, Florida, USA; United States shortstop Nick Allen (12) throws to first base in the first inning of the game against Nicaragua during the WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier series of baseball games at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2021; St. Lucie, Florida, USA; United States shortstop Nick Allen (12) throws to first base in the first inning of the game against Nicaragua during the WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier series of baseball games at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nick Allen may be one of the more intriguing prospects in the Oakland A’s system. There is no question that his glove is major league ready, as he was considered to be ready defensively since he was drafted in 2017. The question was whether or not his bat would catch up to his defense, the difference between his being a starter or a utility infielder.

At this point, those questions about the bat have been answered. He followed a strong, albeit injury shortened, 2019 campaign with an excellent showing at Double-A and in the Olympics. Although he did not fare as well after his promotion to Triple-A, Allen held his own, showing that his gains with the bat have to be taken seriously.

A timeline for Nick Allen and the Oakland A’s

It is now fair to wonder when Allen will make his major league debut. Chances are, he will start the 2022 campaign back at Triple-A, looking to improve upon his .603 OPS in his 151 plate appearances. Should he do so, a midseason promotion would not be out of the question.

As it stands, the A’s have openings in their infield. Second base is going to be a question with both Jed Lowrie and Josh Harrison entering free agency. Lowrie had worn down as the season went on, something that was to be expected given his lack of playing time over the previous two years. If Allen shows well in spring training, he could force the A’s hand.

Likewise, shortstop is not exactly nailed down. While Elvis Andrus will be receiving a comparatively large salary for the A’s, he did not cover himself in glory either offensively or defensively. If Allen does have that strong spring training, Andrus could be pushed to second with the brilliant defensively prospect taking over.

But it may well come down to two factors. First, Allen will need to force the A’s to carry him on the Opening Day roster with his performance. Second, unless the new CBA addresses service time manipulation, it would behoove the A’s to keep him in Triple-A until they can gain another year of team control.

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Nick Allen will be with the Oakland A’s at some point in the 2022 season. The question is how much more time he will need at Triple-A first.