2023 1st Round Pick (#17): Enrique Bradfield Jr. - CF - (Jr) Vanderbilt University

[Tony-OH]

Enrique Bradfield Jr. - CF - (Jr) Vanderbilt University

Tony's Initial Take: Explosive speed, elite center field defense (range wise), and a quintessential Elias/Ciolek draft pick by going after a college bat.. It appears the Orioles envision Bradford as the Cedric Mullins replacement in CF one day. He's not going to have the pop that Mullins brings on occasion, but the hope is that his defense, ability to get on base and elite speed will make him very important in a future outfield that could slot him in between Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad. The only concerns is a well below average arm that could see major league runners take extra bases and tag up more often on him, and the fact that his numbers fell off a bit after a superb sophomore season. Turns 22-years old in December so expect the Orioles to give him the Jud Fabian promotion schedule if he doesn't have any unforeseen issues at the plate.

80 speed, elite defensive CF.

https://www.mlb.com/video/2023-draft-enrique-bradfield?t=mlb-draft - Draft video

"Kenny Lofton comps"

Stats

[86this]

Enrique Bradfield Jr.  

[86this]

What's not to like if Vanderbilt wanted him to play for them?

[86this]

ESPN said he played infield prior to going to CF?  I'm assuming 1B?

[Can_of_corn]

If he's a lock to stick at CF than he has a fairly high floor.

Not what I would have preferred but ain't mad about it.

[emmett16]

I predict he will be a fan favorite.  His style of baseball is electric.  

Edited July 10, 2023 by emmett16

[HandsomeQuack]

Here, I will do my part in filling up this thread. This seems like a fun pick and I trust Elias with the draft. Clearly BPA considering they have other options.

[ChosenOne21]

Left-handed hitting college outfielder no one saw coming. This is the quintessential Orioles pick.

I kinda like it though. Guy seems like he could be pretty good and if he truly is an elite defensive CF it'll make our pitching look better.

In any case, Elias has earned the benefit of the doubt.

[ArtVanDelay]

I wonder if he could make the postseason roster this year as a pinch runner/defensive replacement. 

[86this]

Does he sound like a Jorge Mateo clone (offensive ability)?

[Just Regular]

He and Coby Mayo just a week apart in age, both about 21.7 right now.

@ArtVanDelayhad it in the overall thread, maybe he's Jarrod "that's what speed do" Dyson this fall.

[Paul in Virginia]

CBS Sportsline said he's their top leadoff hitter in the draft; had him as their 9th overall prospect.

[ChosenOne21]

Just now, 86this said:

Does he sound like a Jorge Mateo clone (offensive ability)?

Better hit tool by a good amount. Possibly a bit less power.

[ArtVanDelay]

2 minutes ago, 86this said:

ESPN said he played infield prior to going to CF?  I'm assuming 1B?

I would assume SS.  Why 1B?

[RZNJ]

Not our typical pick because there’s little power but he’s got some Kenny Lofton comps.  I’m surprised but excited to see what he can become.