Atlanta Braves Scouting Report on LHP Kolby Allard

The Atlanta Braves saw Kolby Allard have an excellent season in his first year in the system. What could he do going forward?

Player Profile

The Atlanta Braves felt lucky to get Allard with the 14th selection in the 2015 draft from San Clemente High School in California.

Allard had some back concerns in high school that led from him being considered near the top of the draft to falling all the way to the middle of the first round, and the Braves were certainly willing to gamble.

He only made 3 appearances in his draft year with the Gulf Coast League, throwing 6 innings, but those 6 innings really impressed as he allowed only one hit and no walks and struck out 12 hitters.

Prospect ranking lists took note, and he ranked #84 on Baseball America’s prospect list, #89 on MLB.com’s list, and #82 on Baseball Prospectus’ list.

Allard had a back procedure in the offseason, and he had to refute concerns that it was his second procedure as it was only his first such procedure.

The Braves started Allard in extended spring this season, and he presented as ready before short-season teams opened their seasons, so he was sent to Rome, but the experience was not exactly smooth, as he made three starts, throwing 12 innings, with an 8.25 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, though a 4/12 BB/K ratio.

Kolby went down to Danville in the Appalachian League once that league opened, and it was a whole different story as he was able to cut loose and seemed much more confident after some success at that level, returning to Rome roughly a month after heading to Danville, and he was a key member of the Rome rotation all the way through the playoffs.

Combined on the regular season, Allard made 16 starts, throwing 87 2/3 innings, with a 2.98 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 25/95 BB/K ratio. He also made two playoff starts for Rome in their run to the South Atlantic League championship, throwing 12 innings without allowing a run, posting a 1.00 WHIP and a 3/10 BB/K ratio.

Next: Allard's scouting report