Greg Allen’s Stock On The Rise With Indians

Greg Allen (Photo by Bill Mitchell)

CLEVELAND—In his three years in the Indians organization, outfielder Greg Allen’s numbers have improved every year, and he’s been just as impressive off the field as on it.

“His greatest attribute may be in the clubhouse,” assistant GM Carter Hawkins said. “He’s willing to do anything to get better, and sets the bar for his teammates in work ethic and a selfless approach.”

On the field, Allen’s star is clearly rising. A sixth-round selection in the 2014 draft out of San Diego State, the speedy, switch-hitting Allen has methodically marched up the minor league ladder. His average, on-base and slugging percentages have all gone up every year, capped by a terrific 2016 season split between high Class A Lynchburg and Double-A Akron.

In a combined 491 at-bats, he hit .295/.416/.413, with 23 doubles, seven triples, seven home runs and nearly the same number of walks (77) as strikeouts (78).

He also had 45 stolen bases in 58 attempts and has averaged 40 steals per season in each of his three years in the organization.

“Greg has become one of the most exciting players in our system,” Hawkins said. “He helps the team in so many ways—with the bat from both sides of the plate, with exceptional defense and with his ability to turn walks into doubles on the basepaths.”

Allen’s speed and instincts in center field have helped him produce highlight-reel catches in each of his three years in the organization. In 2016, he was selected as a midseason and postseason Carolina League all-star after hitting .298 with a .424 on-base percentage for Lynchburg, helped by his 58 walks and only 51 strikeouts in 92 games. He also had 38 stolen bases.

The 23-year-old Allen will likely begin the 2017 season in center field back at Akron, and he could make himself a candidate to join the big league club by 2018, if not sooner.

“He’s clearly a favorite amongst our staff, and has taken advantage of each opportunity he has created for himself,” Hawkins said.

SMOKE SIGNALS

• Catcher Francisco Mejia, who had a 50-game hitting streak and hit a combined .342 at Lynchburg and low Class A Lake County, was added to the 40-man major league roster.

• Utilityman Michael Martinez was outrighted off the major league roster and signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league training camp. Also signed to minor league deals with invitations to the major league camp were catcher Erik Kratz and outfielder Daniel Robertson.