When you watch Baltimore Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr., play the first thing that stands out is his elite speed on the base paths. That’s the main reason the Orioles used the 17th overall pick on him in the 2023 MLB Draft.
The talented former Vanderbilt Commodore star wreaked havoc on SEC opponents with that speed. It’s also why he’s recorded 69 stolen bases this season between High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie.
The one area the 6-foot-1 and 170-pounder knew he’d need to improve was at the plate, despite hitting a solid .311 over three collegiate seasons,
Bradfield knew he’d need to fix his mechanics at the plate. In 124 career games at the minor league level EBJ is batting a respectable .271 with 122 hits, 37 RBI and three homers.
Not known for his power he’s also tallied a total of 19 doubles and triples (5.).
For an area that figured to be a bit of a concern for EBJ coming into the pros, he’s really been steady.
EBJs Eagerness To Get Better Is Evident
Boasting a slash line of .274/.355/.375 thus far in his minor league career, EBJ recently did an interview with Glenn Clark Radio where he talked about his bat.
“I know the caliber of hitter I am. I’m going to be the guy that gets on base a lot, but I do have the potential to do some damage as well — hit the ball in the gap, doubles, triples, run into a ball and it’s going to leave. It’s being able to consistently do that, that I’ve been working toward. It’s been a little bit of a stance adjustment, some different swing focuses, swing cues to get me moving in the right way. It’s just been a constant build, even last year in Delmarva to the offseason. It’s just been a constant evolution. I’m excited for what it can look like in the next year.”
While Bradfield will never be mistaken for a power hitter, if he can do what he’s doing now and continue to evolve as a hitter, with his speed, he can be a real foundational piece for the surging Orioles going forward.
Bradfield Believes He Can Put Together 100-Steal Season
As he continues to climb the minor league ladder, EBJ is already thinking about making history once he arrives in the majors.
The speedster also told Glenn Clark Radio that he envisions himself stealing 100 bases in a season. That’s something that hasn’t been done since 1987 when former major leaguer Vince Coleman stole 109 bases.
“I think it’s very much a possibility. I think it’s more than a possibility in my mind. I think there is going to be a year and there are going to be years where that number is right there in my reach.”
With the type of speed and base running skills that EBJ possesses, it could happen.
