The Braves acquire a former top prospect from the Athletics with a lot of defensive upside
The Atlanta Braves make their next offseason move, acquiring infielder Nick Allen from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jared Johnson.
The Atlanta Braves have added depth to their infield by acquiring shortstop Nick Allen from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jared Johnson. Allen, who has primarily played shortstop in the majors, brings a solid defensive reputation but has struggled to translate his promise into consistent major league production.
Once considered a top prospect, Allen was ranked as the A’s No. 5 prospect in 2022 and No. 3 in 2021. However, his MLB numbers have been underwhelming. In 41 games with Oakland, he posted a .175/.216/.247 slash line with just one home run and four RBIs. This level of production doesn’t inspire confidence as a potential replacement for shortstop Orlando Arcia.
Despite his struggles in the big leagues, Allen offers defensive value. He’s regarded as a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop, and the Braves could use his versatility as they seek additional depth. His bat, however, remains a work in progress. In Triple-A, Allen showcased his potential, hitting .345/.431/.497 in 81 games with Las Vegas, adding seven home runs, 34 extra-base hits, and 51 RBIs. This strong showing in the minors suggests he might still have untapped offensive potential.
While there’s a possibility Allen could struggle at the major league level—often a challenge for players who dominate Triple-A but fail to make an impact in the majors—the Braves are known for developing talent, and Allen could be a candidate to break out with the right environment and coaching.
The trade for Allen didn’t cost much—Jared Johnson, a 14th-round pick in the 2019 draft, has spent most of his career in the lower minors, with his highest level of play being High-A Rome. In 2024, Johnson posted a solid 2.60 ERA in 38 appearances with Rome, but he remains a work in progress.
Ultimately, Allen’s acquisition provides the Braves with more options at shortstop and in the infield, though it doesn’t necessarily signal the end of their pursuit for a bigger bat at the position. Worst case, they didn’t sacrifice much to take a flier on Allen’s potential.
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