MLB Pipeline rates this outfielder as the Cincinnati Reds most athletic prospect

Jay Allen was a three-sport athlete in high school and the Cincinnati Reds selected the 19-year-old with the 30th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. MLB Pipeline rates Allen as the team's most athletic prospect.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Allen debuted for the Reds in the Arizona Complex League last season. Currently projected as a centerfielder, many scouts believe Allen will stick up the middle, but some are convinced that he profiles better in right field.

Reds OF Jay Allen is rated as Cincinnati's most athletic prospect.

Allen appeared in 19 games in Arizona this past season and made 75 plate appearances. Allen showed patience at the plate (10.7% walk-rate) and plenty of power (.557 slugging percentage). Allen had three doubles, three homers, and a triple. He also used that athleticism and above-average speed to swipe 14 bags while only being gunned down once.

You'll have little argument from me that Jay Allen is the Cincinnati Reds most athletic prospect. However, a couple others have caught my eye over the past couple seasons. Outfielders Michael Siani and Justice Thompson could have been in the conversation as well.

Siani's speed is his calling card. Were the Reds looking strictly for a glove-first centerfielder, Siani's skillset would already find him occupying the outfield grass at Great American Ball Park. However, the former Pennsylvania prep player has struggled at the dish throughout his minor league career.

Perhaps Siani's trip to the Arizona Fall League earlier this offseason will help his offensive game. If the 22-year-old is able to figure out how to put the ball in the play, he'll make it to the big leagues by 2023 at the absolute latest.

Thompson is another elite-level athlete with the speed and arm strength to play center field. If he, like Siani, can show that he can be, at least, an average hitter, Thompson's athleticism will take help him make it to the majors.