Viandel Pena
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Position:
2B
Level:
Extended Spring Training
Affiliate:
XST Nationals
League:
Extended Spring Training
Born:
11/22/2000 (Age: 23)
Height:
5'8"
Weight:
148
B/T:
Both / Right
Acquired:
Signed as international free agent July 2, 2017 (WSH)
Prospect Spotlight
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Pena signed with the Nationals for a $150K bonus in 2017. He spent last summer in the DSL as a 17-year-old, faring decently at the plate while showing advanced ability to reach base via the walk. Now 18, the diminutive infielder stands only 5-foot-8 and brings most value on the defensive side of the ball. Pena moves between middle infield spots, able to play on both sides of the bag with standout actions. His hands are extremely soft, with an average arm that plays up a bit from polished footwork and a quick release. Pena’s accuracy was off at times finishing throws without his feet set, but that’s very correctable with continued reps.
Offensively, the switch hitter shows a contact-oriented approach with a flat swing plane from both sides of the plate. Like many young hitters at the complex level, Pena is learning to recognize better off-speed stuff and swings through most well-executed secondary stuff right now. He’ll never be much of a power threat, lacking the size or swing lift to drive the ball. Pena is more a follow with nice defensive ability at this point, though he could develop into a FV 40 glove-first prospect with gains at the plate. |
