August is winding down, which means the Atlanta Braves can soon put their tumultuous 2025 season behind them. The Braves have been difficult to watch more often than not ever since Opening Day, and not even their successful run in August can help fans ignore the fact that this is a team sitting 12 games under .500 as of Saturday afternoon.
The next month and change will be used by manager Brian Snitker to evaluate the roster, figuring out who does and doesn't deserve to come back next season. With that being said, one shortstop's future with Atlanta is far from clear after a poor August performance that has landed him on thin ice.
Braves SS Nick Allen Is on Thin Ice After Pitiful August Performance
The Braves added some depth to their infield when they acquired SS Nick Allen from the Athletics before the season started, sending pitcher Jared Johnson back the other way. The San Diego, CA native had slashed .209/.254/.283 with nine home runs, 43 RBIs, and 41 walks in 247 games (699 at-bats) with the A's, and the hope was that Snitker's staff could develop him into a better hitter.
Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case as Allen's bat has frustrated Atlanta fans more often than not. June was the only month when he deserved respect at the plate, but it's only been downhill since then, and August hasn't been an exception.
In 57 ABs across 20 games this month, Allen has generated only 12 hits, three RBIs, and a trio of walks. He's struck out 14 times while slashing .211/.250/.228 during this stretch, which also includes 12 hitless outings. His season-long numbers further showcase his struggles, which include an 84.7 mph average exit velocity (MLB average is 88.6 mph) and 0.0% barrel rate, per Baseball Savant.
He's not the worst hand to half on the bench, especially as a defensive fill-in, but it's growing clearer with each day that he shouldn't be in a starting shortstop role. Allen's offensive struggles continuing into September will force the Braves' front office to find a legitimate starting shortstop this winter, as the 26-year-old SS's defensive abilities can only take him so far in the Majors.
As the 2025 MLB regular season winds down, Allen's future with the Braves will be less ambiguous sooner rather than later.