Super 60 Spotlight: Vytas Valincius
January 4, 2021
On Sunday, Feb. 7, Prep Baseball Report will host the 19th edition of its prestigious, flagship event: the Super 60 Pro Showcase. Since the event’s inception in 2003, more than 300 players have been selected in the MLB Draft, including 22 first-round picks and 25 second-rounders.
Starting today, we're going to begin our march toward the Super 60 by highlighting the prospects set to join us, shining a light on their impressive player profiles that they've groomed through their high school years and beyond.
Scouting Report
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.