Top-10 Player Profiles: No. 3 Vytas Valincius
December 26, 2018
Back in September, the PBR Illinois staff released the first version of the Class of 2021 Rankings and sitting atop the state’s board was the St. Laurence slugger, Vytas Valincius. Valincius has developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters, regardless of age, in the entire state. While he’s capable of rearing back and getting his fastball into the upper 80s on the mound, it’s his bat that’s going to carry him through prep ball over the next three springs.
One of the most impressive parts of Valincius’ 2018 is that he entered the year with tremendous hype and yet managed to live up to those lofty expectations. He earned a spot in St. Laurence’s everyday lineup, a team that was able to capture the Chicago Catholic League – Blue crown. And he was an impact bat all throughout the summer, which helped him parlay his on-field work into a verbal commitment to South Carolina.
At an advanced 6-foot-3, 130 pounds, Valincius plays pretty light on his feet at the hot corner and his size works especially well in the right-handed batter’s box. His feel for the barrel is unparalleled and his bat strength on contact is highly impressive. Valincius is becoming one of this class’ best hitters, on the national stage. Our own national team has him ranked No. 24 in the 2021 class and it’ll be exciting to watch him develop further.
NO. 3: VYTAS VALINCIUS
Scouting Report
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.