Enrique Bradfield Jr.
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| Photo: Mitchell Layton/ Getty Images |
Bio:
Age: 22
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Draft Profile: 1st round, 17th pick of the 2023 draft by Baltimore Orioles
Drafted Out of: Vanderbilt University
Career Stat Line: .291 AVG .473 OBP 0 HR 6 RBI 25 SB 0.965 Fielding %
April is here-- meaning warmer temperatures, budding flowers, as well as the return of the Minor League Spotlight! With the MiLB season kicking off today for A, A+ and AA level ballers anyway, we figured what better time to relaunch the spotlight?
To kick things off proper, we're starting with an electric prospect, keeping it in house with our hometown Orioles as we look into their 5th overall prospect: Enrique Bradfield Jr.
The son Jenny and Enrique Sr., a former collegiate ballplayer at St. Thomas University, came up with baseball in his blood; and athleticism radiating from his presence. From early on, it became apparent to Bradfield Jr. that he was simply cut from a different cloth than majority of his competition on the diamond, particularly when it came to speed. "I would say it was about when I was 10 or 11 that I really began to recognize that. It's always been a part of who I am, but I wouldn't say it's everything to what I do." (MASNSports).
Enrique's always doubled down on that sentiment though, that his wheels are far from his only quality attribute, and there's been a large contingent to agree with him. The .351 career prep hitter was named a 2020 Preseason Perfect Game All American before his COVID-abbreviated senior campaign at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida. The two years prior, he'd help lead the Patriots to consecutive state titles, earning a 1st team All-American nod in 2018 (VUCommodores).
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| Hudl |
Despite his off-the-charts traits, Bradfield went unselected out of high school in the shortened MLB draft, leading to him fulfill his commitment to play collegiate ball at the University of Vanderbilt. The NCAA was no new process however, having witnessed older sister Yarisbeth play soccer at American University from 2015-2019 (SportsKeeda).
The 19-year old quickly showed pro scouts the mistake they'd made not considering him, slashing .336/.451/.414 during his freshman stint at Vandy. On top of the impressive lines, he also stole 47 bases on 53 attempts and posted a positive BB to K ratio (Baseball Reference). It was apparent that he had the makings of a pure leadoff man.
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| The Tennessean |
The subsequent two seasons were also full of success, with Bradfield being named a Consensus All-American, 1st Team All-SEC and to the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2022. However, his production at the plate did tail off slightly, with the batting average dipping down to .279 during his junior campaign. But the kid got on base, never striking out more than walking, and was lethal once he did. Despite an abbreviated career on the Nashville campus, Enrique managed to break the school record for stolen bases, ending with 130-- a true accomplishment given the powerhouse that is Commodores' baseball.
Then came the 2023 Amateur Draft. There was a split among many on where decorated center fielder would end up being taken that night, with publications projecting him anywhere between the 10th and 25th slots. The scouting reports were pretty consistent across the board: exceptional defense, unmatched speed, a hard worker on and off the field-- but will he be able to hit in the big leagues? The Baltimore Orioles decided they'd be the organization to take that chance, scooping up Bradfield Jr. with the 17th pick. The first round selection inked a $4.16 million dollar bonus to make things official and was off to rookie ball (Baltimore Sun).
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| Photo: WBALTV |
Enrique's tenure at the Florida Complex lasted exactly 3 games, reaching base 8 times in 12 plate appearances. His eye and patience were as advertised. The O's moved him up to Class A Delmarva, where he spent majority of the short season. While down here on the shore, the Floridian slashed .302/.494/.340 and was successful on 20/22 stolen bases. On top of that, he boasted a 19:9 BB:K rate while scoring 15 runs.
The first year pro finished up '23 with one series at High-A Aberdeen, where there were some struggles at the dish, going just 2/17. But it's an incredibly small sample size in a whirlwind of a six months for the young man, so we can excuse him for not immediately excelling. He did manage 4 walks and 4 swiped bags in his week of A+ ball, showing he can-- and would-- still contribute even when the bat was cold.
Aberdeen is exactly where Enrique is going to kick off the 2024 season tonight! We anticipate you'll find him atop the Ironbirds' lineup for their opener against the in Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Expect some fireworks too from the exciting young player, it's going to be a big year for Bradfield Jr.
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@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
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