Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 30 | Arm: 50 | Field: 40 | Overall: 45
The Padres selected Allen in the fourth round of the 2015 Draft, making him the highest-drafted player out of Florida Tech. As he worked his way to Double-A San Antonio in 2018, Allen never stopped hitting. Despite regular catching duties, he's yet to post a full-season average below .280 or a full-season on-base percentage below .350.
A left-handed hitter with bat speed and strength, Allen is an offensive-minded backstop who knows how to drive the ball. He has a knack for making hard contact to all fields and generally does a good job controlling the strike zone. There's plenty of power in his profile, as Allen has homered 22 times in each of the past two seasons, and he should hit for average, too. But his strikeout rate has ticked up a bit since his impressive 2016 full-season debut.
Allen's large frame continues to raise questions among evaluators about whether he can stay behind the plate long term. He played 19 games at first base in 2018. He has some raw arm strength, but he needs to improve his catch-and-throw skills. In his four pro seasons, baserunners have swiped approximately four of every five bags against Allen. His receiving skills need work, too, though club officials are pleased with the recent progress he's made. Ultimately, Allen's defense will never be his strength. But with some work, it could be good enough to make him a very useful big league piece. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 254 44 1 2.3 82.2 8.5 .165 .223 .230 .185 .238 15.9 29.6 8.5 ALL 254 44 1 2.3 82.2 8.5 .165 .223 .230 .185 .238 15.9 29.6 8.5 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 12/02/2019 San Diego Padres traded C Austin Allen and Player To Be Named Later to Oakland Athletics for 2B Jurickson Profar. 08/30/2019 San Diego Padres recalled C Austin Allen from El Paso Chihuahuas. 08/28/2019 San Diego Padres optioned C Austin Allen to El Paso Chihuahuas. 08/24/2019 San Diego Padres recalled Austin Allen from El Paso Chihuahuas. 07/15/2019 San Diego Padres optioned C Austin Allen to El Paso Chihuahuas. 07/12/2019 San Diego Padres recalled Austin Allen from El Paso Chihuahuas. 06/17/2019 San Diego Padres optioned C Austin Allen to El Paso Chihuahuas. 05/11/2019 San Diego Padres recalled Austin Allen from El Paso Chihuahuas. 03/17/2019 San Diego Padres optioned C Austin Allen to El Paso Chihuahuas. 04/01/2018 Austin Allen assigned to San Antonio Missions from Lake Elsinore Storm. 01/18/2018 San Diego Padres invited non-roster C Austin Allen to spring training. 03/31/2017 C Austin Allen assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from San Antonio Missions. 09/03/2016 Austin Allen assigned to San Antonio Missions from Fort Wayne TinCaps. 04/02/2016 C Austin Allen assigned to Fort Wayne TinCaps from Tri-City Dust Devils. 06/17/2015 C Austin Allen assigned to Tri-City Dust Devils. 06/16/2015 San Diego Padres signed C Austin Allen.
