The A’s got themselves a steal in the MLB Draft.
Oakland grabbed Francis Parker High School’s Nick Allen with the 6th pick in the 3rd round. The middle infielder had a 1st round grade but fell on draft boards likely because a lot of teams still look at physical stature as a determining factor.
Allen, who also starred for Rancho San Diego Little League, is only 5’8” and weighs 155 pounds. Based on talent and tools he is one of the top 15 players in this year’s class. He has tremendous range at shortstop, a plus arm, puts the bat on the ball consistently and reminds many of Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia.
Despite his size Allen has the ability to stay at shortstop but could also be moved over the 2nd base as a professional. The A’s will now have to try and sign Allen away from his USC scholarship, which could take offering a little more than the suggested slot money. That is something the Padres did a few years ago when they took Austin Hedges in the 3rd round but got him away from his UCLA commitment with 1st round money.
