San Diego Padres: Four Prospects We Will Soon See In The Top 100

Logan Allen is the workhorse pitcher the San Diego Padres need.

Logan Allen, the “old man” of this bunch, came to San Diego as part of a fantastic trade. The Padres sent closer Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Allen, Manuel Margot, Carlos Asuaje, and Javier Guerra.

The 13th ranked prospect for the Padres joins a long list of top-level left-handed pitchers in this system. Ranked above Allen are Mackenzie Gore, Adrien Morejon, Eric Lauer, and Joey Lucchesi. Allen, the fifth-ranked LHP on this team, may have the longest career of them all.

He began last year in Fort Wayne where he went 5-4 with a 2.11 ERA. Through 68 innings, Allen gave up just one home run and worked an 85/26 K/BB ratio.

A promotion to High-A Lake Elsinore was met with similar results. Allen pitched 56 innings, gave up just two home runs and worked a 3.97 ERA with a 57/18 K/BB ratio. While there was a big uptick in his ERA, he still exhibited solid command and kept the ball inside the park.

What does Allen bring to the San Diego Padres?

Allen brings a plus-fastball (92-93 with good movement) and two above-average pitches in his changeup and curveball. As he moves up to AA and beyond, Allen will need to stay on top of his command. It’s above average right now, but will it stick against more advanced bats?

I love his delivery. As you can see below, he starts with a high leg kick, then reaches way behind him, bringing the ball at or below his back knee. That, combined with a slight hitch right before he throws, provides just enough deception to upset the hitter’s timing.

A successful AA debut may help Allen earn a brief stint in the majors by the end of the season. I believe he will develop nicely into a back of the rotation pitcher. Imagine a 4th/5th starter that can routinely give you six innings, work 7/8 K/9 innings, and rarely gives up a home run. I’ll take that any day.