To say the 2025 MLB season has been a challenge for Baltimore Orioles 2023 first-round pick Enrique Bradfield Jr. would be an understatement. The speedster who starred for Vanderbilt, is being looked at as the club’s future centerfielder, and with the team trading fan favorite Cedric Mullins the hope is Bradfield can do the job sooner-than-later. The Mullins move was done to replenish the farm system, especially its pitching staff, but also to clear more playing time for Jackson Holliday and Colton Cowser. And while both are supremely talented players, they don’t play centerfield. With an expected arrival this season that’s likely going to be pushed back until next season, the time is still now for Bradfield Jr. to prove he belongs.

Bradfield’s Season Has Been Injury Plagued

Heading into the 2025 season the Orioles had high hopes that Bradfield Jr. could make the jump, but injuries to both hamstrings has in many ways hamstrung his season. The dynamic outfielder with world class speed, has been limited to just over 50 games this season. Speaking with reporters following last Friday’s game his 39th with the Chesapeake Baysox the club’s Double-A affiliate, EBJ sounded like the confident, well—spoken young man that captured the Orioles with his game breaking speed at Vandy.

“Obviously it hasn’t been the year I’ve been expecting to have. “I faced some difficult circumstances. I’m making the best of it. I’m healthy, and I’m ready to make this final stretch and have a good rest of the season and finish strong.”

Despite injuries and struggles at the plate, Bradfield Jr. is still very confident that he’s on the right path to the majors.

READ: ‘I Don’t Feel Like I’ve Lost A Step’ | Baltimore O’s Prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr’s Added Muscle Could Help Him Become Top-50 Prospect | mlbbro.com

 

EBJ Still Confident He’s Doing The Right Things

Despite his .253 average along with two homers, 14 RBI and a .746 OPS, Bradfield Jr.’s confidence hasn’t wavered one bit. In fact, he sounded like a player who knows he’s headed to the majors very soon.

“I feel very close. I feel like that I’m right there,” Bradfield said. “I’m in a good spot, just continuing to put my head down and work, trying not to think about when that time could be, just honestly making sure I’m ready for it whenever that time comes. I don’t think it’s a matter of it. It’s a matter of when. I feel like I know that. The team knows that. It’s just a matter of when.”