Track Record: Bradfield was in the mix for the top two rounds of the shortened 2020 draft, but bonus demands meant he went to Vanderbilt, where his elite speed made him one of college baseball’s most dynamic players. He signed for a slot $4.17 million as the 17th overall pick in 2023 and performed largely as advertised. Bradfield had an .802 OPS over three levels with more walks (26) than strikeouts (16) and 25 steals in 27 tries.
Scouting Report: Bradfield has a pair of elite carrying tools in his 80-grade speed and center field defense, which together create a pretty high floor for his major league future. Advanced baserunning instincts could put him near the top of the league in stolen bases throughout his prime. He was drafted into an organization that has a track record for improving hitters with particular traits, and when it comes to the ability to manage the strike zone and make consistent contact without much whiff, Bradfield certainly qualifies. He had an astonishing 2% whiff rate in his pro debut, and walked nearly a quarter of the time. Another of those traits the Orioles work with is consistent hard contact, which isn’t yet a part of Bradfield’s game and may not ever manifest. The Orioles hope Bradfield’s above-average hit tool can play up as he focuses on hitting the ball at good angles and producing line drives, which can make up for his well below-average power, even as he projects to add some strength in pro ball.
The Future: Provided he makes enough quality contact to let his speed and on-base capabilities shine through, Bradfield has the traits to be a high-level table-setter as an everyday center fielder with Gold Glove capabilities. He’ll start 2024 at High-A Aberdeen, with the potential to move quickly through the Orioles’ system.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 30 | Run: 80 | Field: 80 | Arm: 40
