California prep outfielder Vinny Tosti focused on universities on the west coast when going through the college recruiting process. Drawing interest from Oregon State and Oregon, Tosti committed to the Ducks as a sophomore on Sept. 5, 2015.
“Oregon was always a school of interest for me,” Tosti said. “Once I went to go visit the campus and meet the coaches, it was a really good fit. I love the coaches, and I know they’ve produced a lot of great players. Those were big key factors.”
Now in his senior year of high school, the California native has realized that he may never make it to Eugene, Ore. as a student-athlete with the Ducks.
He’s regarded as one of the top prep prospects in the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft and will have to decide between attending college and jumping straight into professional baseball next June.
“It’s a lot to handle, but at the same time I don’t think it’s a big distraction,” said Tosti on the draft. “I know what comes with it. I’m still working hard and whatever happens, happens.”
During this past summer, Tosti participated in numerous showcase events, including the Perfect All-American Classic and Area Code Games.
“Those two events have been two big goals of mine since I was in eighth grade,” Tosti said. “I’ve been working really hard to participate in those. When I found out I was going to play in both of those, I was super excited to know that all my hard work paid off.”
A 6-foot, 190-pound outfielder, Tosti has a strong, athletic build and plays the game with a lot of energy.
A right-handed hitter, Tosti is known for his combination of speed and power. He consistently drives the ball in the gaps, especially to the right side. Tosti believes his biggest strength is his speed.
“It helps me in every facet in the game,” he said. “Just on defense, being able to track down balls. Even if I hit a routine ground ball, I can beat it out and just get on base for the team. Swipe a few bags and score a little bit easier.
“Just giving my team the best opportunity to win, and I think my speed helps with that a lot.
Known as a solid defender, Tosti has a strong arm the profiles well in all three outfield positions.
Tosti prefers to remain in centerfield long-term and plans on working on his defense before his final season starts with NorCal baseball, which is a well-regarded baseball academy he’s played for since freshman year.
“I think I have the chance to stick in centerfield as long as I keep my speed up and continue to improve on my reads,” he said. “I could also see myself playing right field in the future. I have a pretty good arm, and I think my skill set fits pretty well out there.”
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