Vytas
Valincius

Verbally committed to Illinois out of John A. Logan JC.

Valincius checked a lot of boxes with his presentation at the Super 60, and left little doubt as to his future potential as a middle of the order power-bat. Appearing to have leaned out a bit, the now 6-foot-4, 240-pounder’s movement patterns at the plate still provide for exciting hit/power potential. He posted a 6.96 60-yard dash time with athletic strides, and moved adequately at third base including an 89 mph arm across the diamond. However, his big right-handed bat is what will carry him in the future, and given his consistent hit-tool in the past and ability to slow the game down at the plate, the power production that he flashed in a couple batting practice rounds is sure to excite scouts about his future. Gaining momentum through impact, Valincius creates considerable torque while working uphill through the zone with an even greater ability to lift the ball (44% fly ball rate) than we have seen in the past. He posted the second highest average exit velocity (98.25 mph) including an eye-opening 409 ft. max distance, and did so with minimal movement/effort. The hands load fluidly in sync with a knee-knock leg kick, and his low time to contact makes his power production that much more efficient and exciting, and helps validate (and quantify) the success he has had in-game against elite arms and velocity. The South Carolina recruit certainly helped raise his profile as a power-bat in the class, and is sure to get plenty of opportunities to perform in front of MLB scouts throughout the spring, especially with the roster/schedule that the Baylor School has put together. 

Big and strong at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds the eye test may fool you at first glance. The South Carolina recruit is much more athletic and nimble than an initial perception based simply on body type. He’s a solid defender who moves really well for his size (7.14 sixty), showing impressive range to his left into the 6-hole, while making accurate throws on the run. With sure hands and above average arm strength (87 mph across the infield), Valincius may physically look like a future first baseman, but his skills and tools give him a strong change to remain at the hot corner. As good as his defensive game showed on this look, he was even better in the batter’s box. With some length and big strength that produces plus-to-better present raw power and a ProCase best 104 mph exit velocity off the tee, “Vito” also showed the ability to get to his pop during the game with hard hit balls in his trips to the plate. He’s aggressive, swings hard and even his mishits have carry. He scored high in Blast testing for peak hand speed (24.1 mph), rotational acceleration (17.1 g) and led the ProCase with 75.3 mph of bat speed and a top exit velocity of 104.3 mph in batting practice.

The South Carolina commit is a physical imposing bat in the middle of the order.  RHH Balanced, slightly crouched stance works simple load, generates tremendous power.  Barreled three balls, collecting a double and single plus working a walk for four quality at bats. Just missed a few, hitting a hard liner just in on the hands vs Bradley. Split time between 3B/1B, moved large frame well with good footwork.  The ball comes off his bat different, expect some towering tape measure shots from Valincius throughout the HS season.  

South Carolina commit. One of the most physically imposing prospects in the country, standing 6-foot-3, 240-pounds, strength in every part of his frame, has firmed up body with muscle considerably over the past few months. As pure of a power hitter as you will find. Barrel works uphill through the zone as he looks to elevate the ball and drive it with considerable force. Even on mishits the ball still comes off the bat at a scorching pace. Has a good feel for the zone and hand-eye coordination, has a plan of attack looking to hammer fastballs, saw a healthy dose of off-speed pitches, but still fought them off and made consistent contact.

Previously ranked number one in Illinois, but transferred to Baylor HS during the summer.  Possess elite power and big-time upside.  The South Carolina commit settles in at #2 in the 2021 class.  

South Carolina commit, top ranked sophomore in the state and ranked No. 27 overall. 6-foot-3, 240-pound, physical, thick build, strong lower half, well-developed frame for his age. Offensively, hits with a presence that plays different for his age; confident in the box, swings with controlled aggression, occasionally will get big. Fluid rhythm, still head, ball consistently jumps off the barrel. Finished 1-for-3 with a walk. Lined a base hit up the middle and lined out to shortstop. Defensively, soft hands at first base with the ability to play at a high level. High-level 2021 prospect.

South Carolina commit, top ranked sophomore in IL, 27th nationally. Physically imposing, thick build, strong lower half, highly advanced for classification. Hits with a presence in the box, creates a deadly 3-4 threat with Matt McCormick for current No. 1 rank St. Laurence. Finished 1-for-4 with two RBI. Hit was a line drive RBI single up the middle, other RBI came on a quality 9-pitch at-bat resulting in a sacrifice ground-out to the right side, knew the situation and got the job done. Balanced at setup and throughout contact, smooth load with slight barrel wrap, short stride, smooth rhythm. Strong hands create effortless fast bat speed, fluidity in path, stays on plane and drives the ball to all fields, can lift with ease. Played first base and made all put-outs his way.

South Carolina commit and the No. 1 player in the 2021 class. 6-foot-3, 240-pound, extra-large, physically-advanced, imposing, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short leg-kick timing trigger and maintains balance. Confident look in the box, advanced bat speed, short bat path, advanced bat strength and power potential to all fields. 107 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.36 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

10.8.18 - Verbally committed to South Carolina.

6.19.18 - It is rare to find a prospect so big (6-foot-3, 235-pounds), but with such excellent feel for their swing. Though just a 2021, Valincius looked every bit the part of being one of the top hitters, and with power, in the 2021 class. The right-hander is balanced throughout a fluid load, and is unfazed by opposing pitcher’s arsenals. My introduction to Valincius came in the form of a hanging curveball that he promptly sent flying over the trees behind the left field fence for a home run. More agile than his size would lead one to believe, he comfortably flicks balls over to first from his third base position where he moves fairly well from side to side. However, it his bat, and more importantly the fluid rhythm and pitch recognition that he possesses that make him the impressive hitter that he is, and an exciting prospect to follow moving forward.

5.17.18 - Currently ranked No. 18 overall in the 2021 class. 6-foot-3, 235-pound, right-handed hitting corner infielder, imposing, strong frame. DH’d for the Vikings and hit 7th. Offensively hits with a presence in the box, athletic, even setup, short load/stride, fluid rhythm. Loose hands, can create natural uphill lift through swing, effortless power hitter type, attacks the baseball. Finished 1-for-3 at the plate with a single hard to the pull side. Also flew out deep to the opposite field. Strong 2021 follow.

4.11.18 - High follow 2021. Ranked No. 35 in Illinois’ Class of 2021. 6-foot-3, 235-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Immediately stands out for his physicality, extra-large frame, thick upper and lower halves, nimble on his feet, possesses exceptional athleticism for size and frame. An imposing figure in the batters’ box, stands in strong, does not back down. Barrel path has natural lift tendencies, makes strong contact consistently, advanced approach for age. Hit a deep home run in his first at-bat to right-center field, finished 2-for-4 with one home run, one run scored and one run batted in.

2.18.18 - 6-foot-3, 235-pound, extra-large, imposing, thick lower half, two-way prospect. One of the top 2021 prospects in the Midwest. Right-handed pitcher, highly-advanced on the mound for his age; all three pitches have plus potential. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, with rhythm and some effort throughout. Short, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball jumps out of the hands, arm-side-run, occasionally gets underneath, sat 84-87 mph. Curveball, maintains arm speed, tight, sharp spin, 11/5 shape, depth, thrown for strikes, 75-78 mph. Changeup, gets sink and run, swing-and-miss type of offering, feel, 76-77 mph. Also, one of the top 2021 bats in the class. Right-handed hitter, has advanced pop in his bat; registered a 94 mph exit velocity from a tee. Creates well above-average bat speed for his age, flashed strong contact and pull power. Path has inconsistencies but seems to find the barrel often. Starts from a balanced, wide setup, smooth load and short stride. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder; moves well for size. Sure hands, plays through the baseball and shuffles through release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws flashed carry at 82 mph. 7.71 runner in the 60.

2017 Junior Future Games - Right-handed pitcher, strong, physical frame with thick lower half. Quick, high ¾ arm action with some effort. Fastball, showed explosive late arm side life, missed arm side, sat 83-84 mph touching 86. Curveball, 11/5 shape, had bite and depth, swing and miss potential, 73-76 mph.  

5.5.17 - High follow in the 2021 class. HIghly advanced frame, physical, imposing figure with athleticism. Played third base and also pitched. Offensively, right-handed hitter, imposing presence in the box, open, balanced setup, loose, rhythmic hands, aggressive approach, present bat speed. Put on a power display at the plate over the weekend mashing multiple home runs. Defensively, has soft hands and ranges well for his size. On the mound, athletic, quick arm action, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball, flashed cut action, 80-82 mph in multiple appearances. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 68-71 mph. Flashed a quick jump move pick-off to first.