The Orioles first pick in the 2024 draft, Enrique Bradfield Jr. brings elite center field defense and speed and an above average understanding of the strike zone and comes in as the #7 prospect.
Enrique Bradfield Jr.
Pos: CF
Bats: L
Throws: L
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 21
2023 Level: CPX/A/A+
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 35/50
Game Power: 20/30
Raw Power: 25/35
Run: 80/80
Defense: 65/75
Most Likely Future Role: Starting CF
Ceiling: 1st Division Starting CF
What we know: When the Orioles drafted Bradfield with the 17th overall pick, they envisioned him one day patrolling Camden Yards center field while causing havoc on the base paths.
In his short professional debut of 25 games across three levels, Bradford was an on base machine and stole 25 bases while getting caught just twice. In 110 PAs, he walked 26 times to 16 strikeouts putting up a .473 OBP to go along with his almost unheard of 2% swinging strike percentage. He rarely swings at pitches out of the zone and forces pitchers to throw strikes.
The concern though is that he doesn’t really drive the ball that much and he was an extreme groundball hitter putting up a 66.7% GB% with just three extra base hits. A lot of hits were infield hits that he just used his 80 speed to beat out. As he moves up the chain, he’ll need to learn to drive the ball more because pitchers will be able to throw more quality strikes and will not be afraid to pound the zone if he can’t hurt them once in awhile.
His speed though is clear 80 as he’s already one of the fastest players in professional baseball. He once scored on a bunt hit from second base and ran so hard through the plate that they had to catch up before he fell into the dugout. He frequently beats out routine groundballs and was almost a sure thing when he stole bases. He’s absolute disrupter on the base paths at all times and constantly puts pressure on the pitcher, catcher and infielders.
Defensively his 80-grade speed makes up for his occasional questionable route or jump in center field. The arm though is well below average though he tends to get rid of the ball quickly to help make up for a lack of arm strength. the hope is as he gets stronger his arm will get stronger as well.
What we don’t know: Can he make some adjustments in his swing that will allow him to drive the ball more and become more of a threat with the bat? The Orioles believe they can get more out of the stick and if they can, they could have themselves and impact lead off hitter.
What we think: Everything about Bradfield is contingent on how his bat develops. If he can find ways to get on base at the major league level, he’ll be an absolute disrupter every time he gets on. At worse, his speed and defense and strike zone control should allow he to have a pretty high floor as a 4th outfielder, but he’s got a much higher ceiling than that.