Oakland selected Allen out of the prep ranks in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Known for his stellar defensive ability and high baseball IQ, Allen’s glove has lived up to the high expectations throughout his first two years in pro ball, but questions remain about his offensive potential. In 2018, Allen spent the year with Class A Beloit of the Midwest League, where he slashed .239/.301/.302 with 85 strikeouts and 34 walks in 512 trips to the plate.

Allen carries a compact, athletic frame that could add some strength but lacks overall projection. He is already a quick-twitch athlete with plus speed who has demonstrated smooth actions all over the diamond. His compact frame ranges easily up the middle and deep into the 5/6 hole, and he possesses a quick transfer and release with present 60-grade arm strength. Overall, Allen has shown advanced instincts and polished actions at shortstop, grading out as a future-plus defender at the big-league level.

Offensively, Allen has a compact stroke with an abbreviated leg kick and quiet load that presently lacks consistent rhythm. With average bat speed and a frame that lacks physicality, Allen is unlikely to add much in-game pop. His bat presently grades as one that isn’t ready for Double-A pitching, but his age, athleticism, and bat-to-ball skills allow projection in the hit tool category. If his barrel control and approach improve, he should be able to hit for a decent average and get on-base at a solid clip. Allen impacts the game with his wheels, coupling plus speed with quality baserunning instincts and aggression.

Allen’s calling card is his defense, but his advancement to the big leagues hinges upon developing a hit tool that can survive an everyday role. At the very least, the glove and supplementary tools will make him a solid utility infielder or late-game replacement. If he can become enough of a hitter to get in a big league lineup on a regular basis, the ceiling is a Role 50 defensive-minded shortstop with 25+ stolen base potential and fair on-base ability.