Tomas
Valincius

Virginia might have not one, but two high pitchability left-handers coming to campus next year in the aforementioned William Kirk and Tomas Valincius (Baylor School, TN). Valincius was dominant, pitching three scoreless frames as just one runner reached base. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder struck out three, a result of high level pitchability, spotting three pitches for strikes. His tailing fastball sat 90-91 mph and he reversed that horizontal movement with a quality 80-82 slider, and then subtracted with a low-80s changeup. The lefty doesn’t have a ton of physical projection, but what he already has looks pretty good and will play immediately at any college level.

LHP/1B Tomas Valincius (Baylor, 2024), is yet another high-level two-way prospect to note. Valincius is originally from Illinois and now attends Baylor Academy (TN). The Virginia commit has a 6-foot-2, 210-pound, strong, physical frame and is one of the top prospects in the Tennessee 2024 class. On the mound, Valincius has a smooth delivery, clean, quick arm and works with ease and polish. His fastball played comfortably at 90-91 mph topping out at 91.2 mph (tied for the event high) with arm-side life out of the hand. He spun two different breaking balls which played anywhere from 78-81 mph with similar shapes and tight spins. He spun his curveball at T2706 rpm (2660 avg) with 13” of horizontal movement on average, and his slider at T2684 rpm (2588 avg). His change-up played at the bottom of the zone with armside run and some downer action at 81-82 mph (18.8” HM avg). Valincius also showed easy power from the left-side of the plate during BP. He produced a max exit velocity of 97.3 mph and an average exit velocity of 93.1 mph. He also was towards the top in a number of Blast categories as well. 

6-foot-2, 205-pound, 1B Tomas Valincius (Baylor School (TN), 2024) is a left/left first baseman that transferred to Tennessee but has roots in Chicago. He also took a noteworthy round of BP, staying balanced, letting the ball travel with strong, easy hands and heavy barrel. Also, is an above-average defender at first base with a clean arm that plays well on the mound.

Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-6, 160-pounds. Sturdy lower half.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, upright posture at balance point, lead leg swings to a short downhill stride, lands square, athletic finish through release.
Arm Action: LH. Short and loose arm stroke, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 74-76 mph. Comes out clean with some carry. Flashed late arm-side action, strikes.
CB: 67-67 mph. 1/7 shape, early break and landed low in the zone. Thrown with intent.
CH: 70-70 mph. Near fastball arm speed, flashed fade low-and-away.

Hit: LHH. Balanced, closed, relaxed setup; smooth hand load and short stride. Loose, athletic hands, simple repeatable swing, feel for the barrel, stays in the zone a long time, fluid rhythm and maintains balance throughout.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 16.60g of max rotational acceleration, via Blast.
Arm: LH. INF - 74 mph. Short, loose arm action, accurate throws, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Above-average first base defender, Feel for the bag, fluid footwork, soft hands, clean and easy glove-to-hand release.
Run: 8.40 runner in the 60. 

Demonstrated an advanced feel for the strike zone all weekend, and it played a big role in the title game. He barreled a single in his first at-bat, and walked in his three other plate appearances, to help keep the Top Tier line moving. Valincius also recorded the game’s final five outs and struck out three in his 1.2 innings of clutch relief work. He hits from the left side on an uphill swing path, long through the zone. He created hard, lofted contact with consistency over the entirety of the weekend, and carries with him some pop potential to his pull side. On the mound, he works with some rhythm, short arm circle, high front side, high ¾ slot, lands wide open. Fastball sat 68-70 mph, with some arm-side run, coupled with a downer 1/7 curveball that has above-average depth.