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Name: Mark Vientos
Born: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Age: 17 (12/11/99)
Height/Weight: 6'4"/190 lbs
Position: 3B
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: American Heritage High School (Florida)
Despite his youth, having been born on December 11, 1999, Mark Vientos has been on the radars of various scouts for a long time. As far back as 2013, the youngster has been participating in baseball showcases across the South, impressing those that had come to see the newest generation of baseball players with a live arm and a body that they could dream on.
The 17-year-old transferred schools at the end of 2016, switching from Flanagan High School to American Heritage High School for his senior year. He appeared in 26 games for the Patriots, missing some time in the spring due to a quad injury. In those 26 games, he hit .417/.467/.523 with one home run and four stolen bases in six attempts.
Vientos has high offensive upside, which is what gave him borderline first-round potential to begin with, though an up-and-down spring has made this already polarizing prospect even more polarizing. Vientos has explosive hands, generating plus bat speed with a deep hand load. During showcases in the summer of 2015 and 2016, Vientos’ name was regularly at or near the top of recorded exit velocity data. At 6’4”, 190-pounds, his lanky frame should fill in, and he should add even more strength.
The right-hander has a smooth, quiet swing, using a slight leg lift as a timing mechanism. He stands upright and has wide stance, helps him channel energy from his base. His swing mechanics and timing still aren’t consistent, more because of his young age than anything else, but Vientos has a strong base. A hitter above virtually all of the competition he has faced, the 17-year-old has developed patience and plate discipline from pitchers trying to pitch around him.
Vientos’ best defensive asset is his arm, which is considered above-average to plus. Though he plays shortstop for his high school team, the youngster is not very athletic, and is not expected to stay at the position once he becomes a professional. His lateral quickness is regarded as below-average, making a shift off out of the middle infield most likely. Because of his strong arm, quick reactions, and promising fielding instincts, third-base is his most likely future home, and Vientos should be able to handle the defensive rigors there.
The 17-year-old has a commitment to the University of Miami. The youngster has been a fan of the Hurricanes since he was a child, so combined with his youth and potential, may need to be enticed with a little extra money to sign instead of attending college.