Mets sign second-round pick Mark Vientos

Jonathan Mayo reports that the Mets have signed their second-round draft pick, Mark Vientos, with a $1.5 million signing bonus. Vientos, a senior out of American Heritage High School in Florida, signed for slightly above slot value ($1,094,700), which probably helped him break his commitment to University of Miami.

The right-handed shortstop—though not a long term shortstop, as Steve Sypa and Alex Nelson said on Amazin’ Avenue Audio last week—was the 59th overall pick in the draft and was a somewhat controversial prospect. Here is what Steve had to say about him shortly after being drafted:

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.

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 Mets have yet to sign David Peterson, their first-round pick, though they recently came to terms with half their draft picks. You can keep track of who has and has not signed with our Draft Tracker.