Orem, Utah —— Entering play on Friday night, Los Angeles Angels outfield prospect Ryan Vega is slashing .329/.416/.427/.842 in 143 at-bats for the rookie-level Orem Owlz, with five doubles, three triples, a home run, and 17 walks in 33 games in 2017. I’ve observed the outfielder several times in recent starts this summer for Orem; below is Baseball Census‘ full Ryan Vega scouting report, including at-bat video from recent games.
Editor’s note: This report and video are both by evaluator Nick Stephens.
Ryan Vega Scouting Report — Video
Our video of Los Angeles Angels outfield prospect Ryan Vega shows his at-bats across two recent games for Orem against the Grand Junction Rockies and the Idaho Falls Chukars here:
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Ryan Vega Scouting Report — Notes
Offensively, Ryan Vega is tall, with a lean frame and broad shoulders. He has a very athletic build. Approaches the plate with an open stance and closes it tight prior to his swing. Highly active front foot. Great reaction time and barrel control. Knack for getting the ball on the sweet spot of the bat. Reads off-speed pitches well out of the hand. Strong discipline with a strict strike zone, clearly an advanced approach for this level. Not an explosive base runner, but his long strides make him a consistent extra-base threat with good top speed once he gets going. Lacks home run power, but has enough to get balls into the gap. Added muscle will benefit him greatly at the plate in the future.
Defensively, Ryan Vega has played center field before, but he seems very comfortable in right. Takes efficient routes and sees the ball clearly off the bat. His arm profiles well in right field as he throws hard with good accuracy and carry. The Los Angeles Angels ought to continue developing him as a corner outfielder who should see added over-the-fence pop in his game in the coming years.
Ryan Vega Scouting Report — Projection
It’s only a matter of time until Ryan Vega gets called up to full-season ball. His hit tool is fairly refined and at this point it’s more about consistency than anything for the outfielder. Despite lack of true plus base running speed, he may profile well as a future lead off hitter with his on-base ability and strike zone understanding, and he should have no problem filling in any outfield position if needed. He takes good at-bats and that alone is a valuable skill — particularly at his age, and in this level of baseball.
With an organization as relatively thin as the Los Angeles Angels, Ryan Vega should have little trouble moving quickly thanks to his mature approach to the game. Looking far ahead, he may have enough athleticism and versatility to work as a future fourth outfielder at the big league level.
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