The Baltimore Orioles are off to a solid (3-2) start this season after securing the third-best record in the American League last season. And despite the team’s lack of playoff success the belief in and around Charm City is this franchise is primed for a big season and deep playoff run. The last three seasons the Orioles have boasted the top minor league prospects in the game in Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holiday.

 

 

 

While they don’t have that type of individual talent in their farm system right now, the cupboard is hardly bare. With Samuel Ballo and Coby Mayo in the fold the club still has two of the best young prospects in the sport. But all eyes right now are on rising speedster Enrique Bradfield Jr, who’s reportedly added 20 pounds of muscle to his frame.

 

 

Enrique Bradfield Jr Is Up Next In Baltimore 

 

Coming off a season where he stole 74 bases, on a 20-80 grading scale, Bradfield Jr. boasted a ranking of 80 as of pertains to speed and defense. Per the rising prospect the added weight hasn’t slowed him down one bit.

 

“I feel better than ever,” Bradfield said with a laugh. “I don’t feel like I’ve lost a step at all. I feel like I’ve gained a couple if anything. I like the way I’m moving. I actually feel better at the weight that I’m at now compared to where I was to even end the year.” 

 

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Bradfield Says Speed Not Affected By Weight Gain

 

With the aforementioned Ballo and Mayo expected to get the call up to the majors from Triple-A Norfolk at some point this season, Bradfield’s development will become an even bigger story. Currently playing for Double-A Bowie after being promoted last August, the speed demon has added some much-needed weight to his rather wiry frame.

 

In fact prospect guru Adam Leighton had this to say about EBJ’s potential.

 

“I know Bradfield has added some strength, and if he’s hitting the ball harder? All of a sudden, this farm system is back into the top third in baseball again. If he’s hitting the ball a little bit harder, he could be trending closer to that top-50 prospect”

 

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Bradfield Jr. made mention of that during spring training.

 

“Hitting those line drives, that’s what’s gonna do it for me,” Bradfield said in spring training. “That’s all I want.” 

 

Knowing that Bradfield Jr. hasn’t lost any of that elite speed and defensive capabilities that make him a big leaguer, has to be scary for pitchers and opponents alike.