A.J. Vukovich

A.J. Vukovich - Scouting Report


Rank History
Year Team Position Team Rank OFP
2021 ARI 3B/OF 22 45

Grades Update: Dec 2020
OFP Role Hit Power Field Arm Run
45 40 40 55 50 50 45

Dec 2020 Report

Evaluator: Tyler Jennings

Age: 19 yr
Height: 6-5
Weight: 210 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2020 4th
RuleV: 2025

Physical Description: Big and very athletic build with long limbs and plenty of physical projection to his frame. Broad shoulders, as well. Also played basketball at East Troy High School in Wisconsin.

Hit: Right-handed swing that is triggered by a medium leg kick. Hands start parallel to his ears, with the bat wrapped around his head. Stance is straight, has quick hands and has improved swing consistency after having a more up-and-down swing plane last year. Drives his hips well. There is a definite concern about swing-and-miss potential, as the swing can get long, but reports from instructs suggest that he hit well. Will be an interesting bat to keep an eye on, especially if his contact rate rises. Grade: 40

Power: Vukovich has some of the best raw power of any player in the 2020 draft class. Generates great bat speed, despite having virtually zero load to his swing. Current pullside pop will grow into power to all fields as he matures physically. Swing has good natural loft to it. What holds back the grade from being plus is his contact rate, but it certainly is not out of the question that he could reach that grade at some point. Grade: 55

Field: Vukovich has played at the hot corner, although he likely will be moved to a corner outfield spot or first base. Moves fast for his size, and Arizona tried him out at the position in instructs and he reportedly has shown vast improvements in his defense. Athleticism would help him if he did move to a corner outfield position. However, he's likely to be a fringe-average defender. Grade: 45

Arm: There is good arm strength with Vukovich. In high school, Vukovich touched 93 MPH from the outfield and touched 92 MPH in the infield. The arm action can get a bit funky when he throws, which holds back the grade a bit. Likely to be an average arm, but can't rule out above-average in the future. Grade: 50

Run: With the athleticism he has for his size, Vukovich runs well. Ran a 6.8 60 yard dash in high school, which grades out to above-average. However, he won't be known for his speed, with added strength and weight to his frame potentially leading to a disappearance of speed as he grows. Grade: 50

Overall: While showing out at instructs after a dismal 2019 summer campaign, Vukovich has given a good impression to Arizona brass. The power will continue to grow as he adds more muscle to his frame, but questions about contact and being able to hit quality pitching certainly arise. Can't rule out a potential platoon role for him once he reaches the majors.

OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Below Avgerage Player - Bench/Platoon
Risk: High