Buried Reds prospect deserves promotion following red-hot performance

The Cincinnati Reds have seen a lot of success from some of their top draft picks over the past few seasons. Players like Nick Lodolo, Jonathan India, and Hunter Greene have been all key contributors to the major league roster, and prospects like Rhett Lowder and Cam Collier have enjoyed productive seasons in the minor leagues.

But another top prospect has been somewhat buried on the minor league depth chart. Jay Allen II, who was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, has seen the shine come off his star. Allen struggled to stay on the field in 2023, and after posting a .154/.260/.220 slash line in 25 games at High-A Dayton, the outfield prospect fell out of favor with those Reds fans who keep a close watch on the minor leagues.

However, Allen has begun to enjoy some success during the latter part of the 2024 season, and over the past two weeks, the outfielder is making a case for a late-season promotion to Double-A Chattanooga.

Buried Reds prospect Jay Allen II deserves promotion after red-hot performance in August

Allen is hitting .371/.500/.543 in his previous 11 games with the Dayton Dragons. A three-sport athlete in high school, Allen has always had the physical gifts, but making contact has constantly alluded him throughout his time in the minor leagues. For his career, Allen is a mere .229 hitter.

But Allen has always shown an understanding of the strike zone and an ability to get on base at a solid clip. During his first full minor league season, Allen posted an on-base percentage near .350, and that number is creeping closer to .400 this season.

It's questionable if Allen's power will ever emerge, though at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, he's certainly projectable. This season has seen Allen post a career-best 10 round trippers to go along with 31 stolen bases. Add those stats to Allen's above-average defense, and you can see why Cincinnati selected him as high as they did in 2021.

Allen's clock is ticking (somewhat), and with the Double-A season extended a week beyond when things wrap up in Dayton, don't be surprised if the 21-year-old get's a chance to show his worth in Chattanooga before the season runs out.

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