Mariners of the Future: 2017 MLB Draft Prospect Nick Allen

While the NFL Draft is less than one week away, the Major League Baseball Draft is right around the corner. One of the names that fans of the Mariners should be aware of is Nick Allen, a Southern California shortstop.

The first thing fans of the Mariners are likely to notice about Nick Allen is his size. Allen tips the scales at a whopping 158 lbs. He only stands 5’8, ” and most of the people would write him off as just a small high school baseball player. Then, they watch Allen play.

Allen is the best defensive player in this draft. He can play a solid shortstop at the Major League level tomorrow, and often surprises people with his impressive arm strength. He was recently clocked at 94 mph from the mound, a more impressive feat when considering his diminutive size.

Along with the strong arm, Allen uses his plus speed and great instincts to produce excellent range. He is an incredible baseball mind who could add several Gold Gloves to his mantle if he hits well enough. He would instantly become the best defensive prospect in the Mariners farm system.

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Allen does not possess much power, as his lack of size may suggest. In today’s game, that is one of the biggest sins a prospect can commit. Allen is no slouch at the plate. While he is a slasher, Allen uses a quick bat, and a sound approach at the plate to pepper line drives all over the ballpark.

When he does get on base, he wreaks havoc on opposing pitchers. He has the speed and intelligence to steal 30 bases a year.

A smart base-runner, Allen consistently takes advantage of opponents miscues to take the extra base when he can.

Whether Allen’s size will deter teams from taking him in the first round remains to be seen, but the guy can flat-out play. He is committed to play college baseball at the University of Southern California.

Speaking personally, I am a huge fan of Nick Allen. Baseball is a game about always overcoming adversity. Allen has been told all his life that he was too small to play professional baseball. He has proven his doubters wrong at every turn and is undoubtedly anxious to continue that trend.

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While a Dustin Pedroia comp is a bit optimistic, any nonsense of a David Eckstein comp is far-fetched. Allen is a far better defender and a more agile base runner than Eckstein. While there are similarities to Eckstein offensively, Allen more closely resembles former Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan on defense.