5 Reds prospects who should participate in the Arizona Fall League

5. Reds prospect Jay Allen should participate in the Arizona Fall League.

There's a lot of pressure that comes with being a first-round pick, and that's no different for Jay Allen. Taken with the 30th-overall selection in 2021, Allen has had his career slowed by injuries.

A left thumb UCL sprain stopped Allen in his tracks earlier this season, but the former three-sport athlete got back to High-A Dayton in July. Unfortunately, Allen suffered another setback and was recently placed on thr seven-day IL.

If Allen is healthy enough to participate in the Arizona Fall League, it could be a great confidence booster for a player who could be one of the best players in the Cincinnati Reds farm system.

Allen is arguably the best athlete in the Reds pipeline. Before landing on the IL, Allen had 16 stolen bases in 31 games and has swiped two bags during two different games on the season. His speed allows Allen to cover a lot of ground in the outfield, and at just 20 years old, the sky's the limit.

Jay Allen needs more playing time, and the AFL could afford him that. Provided he's fully healthy, Allen would a tremendous addition to the Surprise Saguaros. Unlike a lot of other players mentioned, Allen does not need to be protected from the Rule 5 Draft until after the 2025 season.