Defense is where Vicuna shined when the Blue Jays signed him for $350,000 in 2014. His profile today is much the same as it was then, a slick-fielding shortstop with a slightly built frame. Vicuna was reliable enough defensively that when the Blue Jays needed a fill-in with high Class A Dunedin near the end of April, they had Vicuna play there for a little more than a month before sending him to the short-season Northwest League which was more in line with his talent level. Vicuna is a smooth defender who is light on his feet with quick hands. His pure speed is below-average, but he has good anticipation and can make the flashy play, with an average arm that plays up because of his quick exchange. Vicuna has solid bat-to-ball skills but it's mostly empty contact. He has 20 power, with no career home runs. His swing and approach lead to him mostly slapping the ball into the ground, so he will have to get stronger and figure out a way to cut back on all those easy groundouts. He should head to low Class A Lansing in 2018.
Minor League Top Prospects
Vicuna played at three levels for the Blue Jays this season, opening the year at high Class A Dunedin before moving down to Vancouver and then finishing the year at low Class A Lansing. The Venezuelan has played alongside top Blue Jay shortstop prospects Bo Bichette and Logan Warmoth and held his own, using their presence as a motivational force. Vicuna's carrying tool is his defense. The 19-year-old is a defensive wizard at shortstop with good hands and flashy actions and should have no issues sticking at the position. Hitting is more of a question. The listed 6-foot, 140-pound righthanded hitter has minimal power, but he's done a good job of staying within himself and making consistent contact at the plate. Vicuna primarily looks to hit the ball up the middle and to the opposite field and will need to get stronger to find the gaps more, as he had just four extra-base hits. Vicuna finished his season with a flourish, going 17-for-50 with Lansing. If he can find a way to impact the baseball more at the plate, his defense should carry him the rest of the way.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019
Career Transactions
SS Kevin Vicuña assigned to Mayos de Navojoa.
SS Kevin Vicuña assigned to Amarillo Sod Poodles from Hillsboro Hops.
Amarillo Sod Poodles activated SS Kevin Vicuña.
SS Kevin Vicuña assigned to Hillsboro Hops from Amarillo Sod Poodles.
SS Kevin Vicuña assigned to Hillsboro Hops from Amarillo Sod Poodles.
Amarillo Sod Poodles transferred SS Kevin Vicuña to the Development List.
Arizona Diamondbacks signed free agent SS Kevin Vicuña to a minor league contract.
SS Kevin Vicuña assigned to Amarillo Sod Poodles.
Reno Aces released SS Kevin Vicuña.
SS Kevin Vicuña assigned to Reno Aces.
Reno Aces activated SS Kevin Vicuña.
Reno Aces activated SS Kevin Vicuña.
SS Kevin Vicuña roster status changed by Arizona Diamondbacks.
Arizona Diamondbacks signed free agent SS Kevin Vicuña.
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