When the A's traded utility man Jurickson Profar to the San Diego Padres on Dec. 2, they quietly acquired a player who fits multiple needs on their big league roster.
Austin Allen easily could serve as Oakland's backup catcher in 2020, and he brings a powerful left-handed bat off the bench. The former Padres prospect has a clear to A's roster, especially if rosters expand to 26 players next year.
Allen, who turns 26 years old on Jan. 16, made his major league debut for the Padres. He struggled in 34 games, batting just .