Enrique
Bradfield Jr

The highest-ranked 2023 draft prospect in the Showdown did not disappoint, despite a 1-for-11, one stolen base performance. At 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, Bradfield can be the most electrifying player in college baseball with his 80-grade impact speed and quickness. In addition to his always stellar defense, EBJ showed some improvement in the area of my greatest concern; soft contact on rollovers to the right side. Over the past two seasons he has tended to get out front and roll over too many pitches for easy 4-3 groundouts. Walking into Globe Life I wanted to see him consistently hit the ball up the middle or to the opposite field with some authority. And he did just that in the first two games against TCU and Oklahoma State, barreling balls up the middle and using the whole field. However, during Sunday’s third game vs Texas his barrel was out front in two of his four at-bats. Tool-wise he has good hand/eye and knows the strike zone, but one large question remains; just how much power will play in the game, especially with a wood stick in his hands. His bat speed is average and his strength is a work-in-progress. However, there are no questions about his legs impacting the game on the bases or his play in the big field. Bradfield also has top of the scale range and instincts. He’s a super-elite defender, think Devon White or Andruw Jones. If the ball comes down in the field of play, he’s there waiting for it. Overall, EBJ will need to evolve into a more complete player in the power department if his name is to be called in the top half of the first round next July. Comparables include former Major Leaguers Willie Wilson, Willie McGee and the most often mentioned in the scouting industry; Kenny Lofton.

Cape Cod: There's no doubt Bradfield can be the most electrifying player in college baseball today. At 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, he's an 80-grade runner and a top of the order table setter who would likely be a consideration for 1-1 in the 1980s when speed was a premium-pay tool. However, the pro game has changed with vast defensive shifts, pitching Openers in addition to Closers, and power in the batter's box now at a premium. After competing for the USA Collegiate National Team (reports here) where he served as a catalyst atop the CNT batting order, Bradfield headed to the Cape. He did not settle in at the plate for Cotuit, batting just .194 in 37 at-bats, but he flashed impressive defense in center field, where he projects as a pro. His raw power is limited, and he oftentimes gets long, out front and around the ball at the plate, but he can also drive the ball to the gaps and run for days, giving him impact potential on offense and he is a true game-changer on the bases. Despite his run tool and spectacular defense in the big field, Bradfield will need to evolve into a more complete player in the power department if his name is to be called in the top half of the first round next July. Comparables include former Major Leaguers Willie Wilson (Kansas City), Willie McGee (St Louis) and the most popular one that is currently being thrown around the scouting industry is Kenny Lofton (Cleveland).

USA CNT: Bradfield has held the full attention of the scouting community dating back to his time as an underclass standout at prep powerhouse American Heritage (Plantation, FL) and through his tenure as a two-year starter during his first two seasons at Vanderbilt. One of the top talents in the 2023 draft class, Bradfield boasts top-of-the-scale speed that plays both on the bases and in the field. In addition to serving as a catalyst atop the Collegiate National Team batting order (.370 OBP), Bradfield flashed impressive defense in center field, where he also projects as a pro. The raw power is limited, but he can drive the gaps and run for days, giving him impact potential on offense, and he is a true game-changer on the bases. He can sometimes get a little too aggressive early, leading to contact on bad balls or forcing himself to hit from behind, but it’s a small nit so long as he keeps his K-rate where it’s been for the past two seasons (~14%) and finds his way onto the bases at a solid clip.  He entered the summer on a short list of collegiate talents already viewed as likely first rounders for next summer and his time with the USA Collegiate National Team hasn’t altered that expectation. Even without traditional power for the top of the draft he’s got impact potential and should have plenty of suitors in the early goings. If he can manifest a little more pop and prove an elite on-base talent next spring with the ‘Dores, he could cement himself as a top 10 selection.

And just for the fun of it, if you like speed, quickness and energy, check out Vanderbilt freshman sensation Enrique Bradfield, Jr. With Rocker, Leiter and the rest of Commodore staff dominating on the mound there wasn’t a whole lot of action on defense, but what there was the 6-foot-1, 160-pound fleet footed center fielder chased down from gap to gap. In the batter’s box he controlled the strike zone, hit well situationally and pressured the defense, forcing them to play in a few steps and make decisions much more quickly than normal. On the base paths he’s a threat to steal every pitch, forcing pitchers to quicken their delivery to the plate. He was caught stealing for the first time this season (now 15-for-16) after running a 3.09 from his first move to touching the bag (3.30 is considered average), but was thrown out by Gamecock catcher Colin Burgess.

Vandy Commit, smooth left handed stroke from a frame that has plenty of projection. Looks to work up the middle and the other way. Speed is his biggest asset, stole 2nd 3rd and a straight steal of home in 5 pitches. Elite level range in CF

Vanderbilt recruit. Very twitchy, athletic outfielder. Really tracks ball well and shows plus range in the outfield. Has a short, compact swing from the left side. Can be in and out of the zone too quick at times, but has bat to ball skills. Plus runner, had a 4.4 on a turn for a double. Can really run and the hit tool is above average. Was 3-5 with a double and 2 RBIs.

The lean, athletic, quick twitch left-handed hitting outfield impressed all around on the evening. He showcased the ability to run quality routes with ease and track balls down well in center. Offensively, he has a short, level swing. He was 3-4 on the day with a single, double and triple. He has plus speed, with a 4.34 on his turn on his double and a 4.07 on his infield single. He can really run and has a feel for the barrel and the frame really projects. High follow