Let’s talk about a name that might not have been on your radar heading into Atlanta Braves Spring Training but is quickly making a case for himself—Nick Allen.
The offseason shortstop acquisition is swinging the bat well early on, and if things keep trending in this direction, the Braves might just have real competition on their hands.
A Strong Start at the Plate
In the latest matchup against the Marlins, Allen went 2-for-3, picked up an RBI, drew a walk, and crossed the plate twice. That’s a pretty productive day at the office.
Through his first nine at-bats in Spring Training, he’s slashing .444/.500/.556, showing not just contact ability but an eye for getting on base. It’s a small sample size, but it’s exactly the kind of start you want to see from a guy trying to carve out a spot on the roster.
Allen arrived in Atlanta this offseason via trade with the Athletics, where he once carried top-prospect status. In 2022, he was the A’s No. 5 prospect, and the year before that, he ranked as high as No. 3 in their system.
So the talent has always been there—it just hasn’t fully translated at the big-league level yet.
Minor League Success vs. Major League Struggles
His limited major-league action with Oakland left a lot to be desired. In 41 games, he hit just .175/.216/.247 with a homer and four RBIs.
It’s not exactly a stat line that jumps off the page. But here’s the thing—his Triple-A numbers tell a different story.
In 81 games with Las Vegas last year, he slashed .345/.431/.497 with seven homers, 34 extra-base hits, and 51 RBIs. That level of production makes you wonder if he just needs the right opportunity to break through.
Let’s not forget his glove, either. Allen’s prospect reports consistently rave about his defense, labeling him a player capable of winning multiple Gold Gloves.
That’s not just hype—he’s a legitimate asset in the field. So even if the bat remains a question mark, his glove gives him a real shot at carving out playing time.
What This Means for the Braves Shortstop Situation
What does this mean for the Braves’ shortstop situation? Orlando Arcia is still the guy right now, but he’s off to a slow start, hitless in his first four at-bats with just two walks to his name.
He’s got time to get going, but if he struggles out of the gate, the Braves may have to consider other options.
At the very least, Allen is positioning himself for a platoon role coming out of Spring Training. But if he keeps hitting like this?
Don’t be surprised if he starts pushing for more playing time. Keep an eye on this battle—it could get interesting.
