Blue Jays: Five under the radar prospects for 2018

ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 18: Toronto Blue Jays' players Wilson baseball gloves lay in the dugout during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park on May 18, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. Texas won 6-2. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 18: Toronto Blue Jays' players Wilson baseball gloves lay in the dugout during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park on May 18, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. Texas won 6-2. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images) /
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Blue Jays
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 14: The batting gloves and bat of Jose Bautista /

Kevin Vicuna- Shortstop

In 2014, the Toronto Blue Jays signed Venezuela native Kevin Vicuna who was tabbed the 30th best International prospect at the time of the signing. The defensive-minded shortstop began his professional career as a 17-year in the Dominican Summer League.

Vicuna who is still only 19 years of age spent the 2017 season with all three Single-A teams (Vancouver, Lansing, and Dunedin) hitting .269/.322/.303 with 87 hits and 17 stolen bases in 84 games.

The teenager is a sure-handed defensive shortstop who should only get better as he gets bigger and stronger with age. In 194 games minor league games Vicuna owns a .266/.338/.302 slash line with 38 stolen bases and no home runs in 849 plate appearances.

There is no doubt Vicuna is still learning his craft however if the youngster can cut down on the strikeouts and harness the ability to make consistent contact he could climb the depth charts this season. He has plus speed that will play at any level especially as he matures on the base paths, thus far he has been thrown out 16 times in 54 attempts.

Speed and defence win ball games and Vicuna possesses both qualities so expect the infielder to put his name on the map this summer.