Follow the Prospects: Victor Hurtado, OF

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DoB: 5/24/2007
6'3" / 175lbs
B/T: L/L
ETA: 2029

https://www.milb.com/player/victor-hurtado-815900

Signed January 2024 as an IFA for $2.8 million. Was ranked as the #20 international prospect.

MiLB: 2024 Scouting Report:

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55

Despite being one of the younger players in the 2024 international class, Hurtado has long had himself on the radar of big league clubs due to his lean, athletic frame and on-field instincts. The teen works out in the Dominican Republic with Jaime Ramos, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, and is one of the most intriguing prospects on the international market. In addition to his abilities on the field, the teen has been praised for his work ethic, baseball IQ and overall makeup.

At just 16 years old, evaluators already see Hurtado as an advanced hitter, one who has the upside to be a significant offensive contributor over time. At 6-foot-4, there is ample room for Hurtado to continue to fill out as he matures.

The left-handed hitter sports a smooth and compact swing, and he stays through the ball with good extension, leading to consistent contact.

Via District on Deck: https://districtondeck.com/posts/who-is-new-nationals-prospect-victor-hurtado-01hmf62w52sy

Born May 27th, 2007, Victor Hurtado is a 16 year-old outfielder from Sabana Perdida, Dominican Republic. Standing at 6'3" and weighing in at 175 pounds, Hurtado bats and throws left-handed. Fausto Severino, the Director of International Operations for the Nationals, said in an interview with reporters earlier this week that "Hurtado's got a sweet, left-handed stroke" and that "[he has] a very projectable frame." As seen in the video below, Hurtado has a smooth and compact swing, one that has enamored scouts all around the league. His advanced hitting ability for his age, combined with his athleticism and baseball IQ, are the main attractors for scouts when it comes to Hurtado, and the Nationals pounced when they had the opportunity to sign him.

Video: https://twitter.com/nationalssource/status/1707779771483217955?s=61&t=jCFoP6IO5jnjQktOPBo1FQ

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Hurtado makes Baseball America's "15 prospects to watch in the DSL" list, with the writeup unfortunately behind a paywall:

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/15-mlb-prospects-to-watch-in-the-dominican-summer-league/

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Updated milb.com scouting report:

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

The Nationals had a $5,284,000 signing pool at the start of this year’s international period, and they used a large chunk of it to add two of MLB Pipeline’s Top 25 prospects in the class. The most notable of the pair is Hurtado (No. 20), a Dominican outfielder who joined the system for $2.8 million. Hurtado was 16 at signing -- he’ll turn 17 in May -- making him one of the youngest players in this year’s class.

Standing at a listed 6-foot-3, the left-handed slugger brings plenty to dream on to a Nationals organization that could use as much upside as possible. His swing is already smooth and geared for lift, helping the case that he’ll be at least an above-average hitter by the time he fills out his frame. There is length to the swing that could be an issue in time, but for now, he makes enough consistent contact that Washington evaluators envision him hitting from the middle of the lineup.

Even if Hurtado has to move to an outfield corner eventually, his offensive trajectory should still work there. He has excited his new organization with his confidence, makeup and work ethic, and he should get the most attention when he takes to the Dominican Summer League in his first taste of the Minors this year.