Cleveland Indians: An In-Depth Look at a Game-Changing Trade

The Top Prospect

The big prospect get in this deal is left-handed starting pitcher Logan Allen from the Padres. While only ranked the 8th best prospect in the San Diego system by Baseball America prior to the season, he was a consensus top 100 prospect in all of baseball, ranking 92nd by Baseball America, 74th by MLB.com, and 84th by Baseball Prospectus. The Indians had only two players in the top 100 when the season began and the only pitcher was Triston McKenzie who has missed the year with injury to this point. Allen is likely the Tribe’s top pitching prospect at this point (though some could argue for Ethan Hankins).

The 6′-3″ lefty is just 22 years old and actually made his big league debut earlier this summer. He has struggled both in Triple-A and the big leagues this season after dominating through Double-A. He still needs some refinement but could help out the big league club later this year if needed. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling of many top 100 prospects but seems like a pretty sure bet to at least be a decent middle/back of the rotation starter.

He is also no stranger to big trades after being dealt by the Red Sox to San Diego for Craig Kimbrel a couple of years ago. He’s got an advanced four-pitch mix. His fastball sits low 90s and he has a plus changeup. He’s got both a slider and a curveball as well that he can mix in. I’m very high on Allen and think this is a huge get by the Indians.