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

[Paul in Virginia]

Prospectslive live had him going #11 to the Angels:

 

The Player: Enrique Bradfield's game is reminiscent of Billy Hamilton, but with a bit more thump to the toolset. Bradfield is more built for spraying liners to all fields and laying down bunts to terrorize infielders with his speed, but there's some power in the profile that could get better with added muscle. Much like Jacob Gonzalez, he walked more than he struck out in his collegiate career, a testament to his elite eye. A true 80 grade runner, Bradfield knows when to utilize that speed and is an absolute terror on the basepaths. This speed also allows him to cover an insane amount of ground in center field with incredible defensive abilities. It wouldn't be a shock to see Bradfield fly through the minors.

 

The Rationale: The Angels have targeted players who can reach the big leagues as quickly as possible in the last few years. With two elite tools in his speed and defense coupled with three years of SEC experience, Bradfield Jr. can move quickly and possibly take over the reins in CF for the Halos. Dollander and Waldrep could be options should the Angels target a pitcher. Several of the college bats work at this spot including Troy should he last this long.

[ArtVanDelay]

1 minute ago, baltfan said:

Would be a lot cheaper to just get a veteran fast guy. 

In what way is that cheaper?

[Sports Guy]

Just now, mddisney said:

The new rules clearly increase his value.  This is a pick to take advantage of them

Well said

[pdiddy]

Vandy - check.

Lefty - check.

CF? Interesting with Fabian doing well. 
 

Hopefully they both can hit and we can go Devo/Brady LF/CF athleticism. 

[Sports Guy]

Definitely could be a cheaper sign to draft HS kids the next 2 picks.  Very possible.

[ChuckS]

Low chase rate. Walked more than he K’d in college this year. Seems like he’s going to be a contact and defense guy. 50 plus steal ability.

I like the pick.

[TonySoprano]

Keith Law had him #12 in his top #100   https://theathletic.com/4646310/2023/06/29/mlb-mock-draft-paul-skenes-pirates/

Bradfield’s range seems to be 11-16, except Arizona, while the Cubs are mostly linked to college bats like him, Shaw, Troy, and Taylor, as well as one high schooler in Houck.

Scouting Report: Bradfield brings two elite tools to the table – he’s an 80 runner and at least a 70 defender in center, maybe an 80, thanks to that speed and very good reads on balls off the bat. He’s stolen 129 bases in three seasons with the Commodores, through the end of this year’s regular season, with just 13 times caught stealing, none as a sophomore when he was a perfect 46 of 46. At the plate, however, he comes with some questions, including a swing that needs a ton of help. He loads his hands very deep, takes a big stride, opens his hips early, and collapses his back side … it’s a wonder he hits as well as he does, but also opens a world of possibilities for improvement. He’s slight, but not weak, with exit velocities that point to average power if he can sync up his upper and lower halves and stay more upright through contact. The 14 homers he’s hit since the start of 2022 are a promising sign to go with the floor his speed and defense provide.

[Sports Guy]

Just now, pdiddy said:

Vandy - check.

Lefty - check.

CF? Interesting with Fabian doing well. 
 

Hopefully they both can hit and we can go Devo/Brady LF/CF athleticism. 

Cowser and Kjerstad say hello.

[Jagwar]

Can he pitch?

[Alasdaire]

There were several tantalizing prep bats and a good college arm left on the board, and the front office still went with a college hitter. It wasn't a reach, but it just seems to me like their model is biased to favor those types of guys unless there's a clear chasm in talent in favor of the high school player a la Holliday last year. But bias or not, it has worked out splendidly for them in the past, so they deserve the benefit of the doubt.

As to Bradfield himself, it will be fun to have a guy with game-breaking speed in the system. For all of the talent that the system has now, none of the top-end guys are really burners. Combine that with the O's ability to develop hitters' patience and ability to cash in when they get their pitch and I could easily see them turning him into a guy who gets on enough for his speed to make a difference even if he doesn't mash the ball.

Zero concern about his redundancy vis-a-vis Cedric/Jud. You can never have too many good players.

[Sports Guy]

MLB pipeline had him 21st.

Not sure about BA.

[baltfan]

2 minutes ago, ArtVanDelay said:

In what way is that cheaper?

Because if you are choosing a guy in the first round for that role, you are leaving a ton of excess value on the table in other possible picks.  You also are putting him on the 40 much quicker than you need to. 

[Spy Fox]

Elite speed/defense + a good batting eye is an intriguing combo. We’ve spoken around here about how great it would be if Mateo could just post a respectable OBP. 

[connja]

3 time all SEC, winning program, elite defense and speed.  Seems like a great pick.  And a solid replacement for cedric 

   
 

[52520Andrew]

Great defender is good, question will be how the bat develops as he hits the upper levels of the minors and if he develops more power. One encouraging sign is 40 45 SO/BB at Vanderbilt this year so another player with good plate discipline. If he can develop power like Ortiz or Norby, he would be another good player for the pipeline. We don't have a slam dunk centerfielder on the farm so I think it fits a need.