Vanderbilt center fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. is one of the most unusual college players in the country.
In one of the most homer-friendly offensive environments in Division I history, Bradfield is more likely to drop down a bunt and start a mad dash to first base than take a big hack from the left side and deposit a ball over the fence.
In a year when program records for home runs are falling by the wayside and myriad players are setting new career marks for power, Bradfield homered just six times-two shy of his single-season record of eight in 2022 and has never reached double-digit homers in his career.
Instead, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound center fielder has a tool set and style of play that would have fit perfectly in the 1980s.
Bradfield has a speed-oriented game built on his top-of-the-scale running ability and stellar defensive work in center field.
Bradfield still instills fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers-and certainly catchers-but it's more due to the fact that any ground ball put in play can turn into a hit. Or any pitch out of the zone will likely stay there and be taken for a ball. Or any single will quickly turn into a double by way of the easiest stolen base you will see.
Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin called Bradfield a dynamic player who "impacts the game on both sides of the ball" and has an easy case for the title of the most exciting player in the country.
At the same time, there's also a case to be made for Bradfield being one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2023 draft.
How exactly will teams handle an outlier tool set for a first-round talent in a college outfielder demographic that is historically valued, first and foremost, for impact and power? And how do recent MLB rules changes that have dramatically altered the style of play impact how a speed-oriented player is valued by scouting departments?
This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE SERVICE TIME CONUNDRUM
MLB’s byzantine service time rules cloud rookie status and now PPI eligibility
LUIS TIANT WAS MLB'S MOST SUCCESSFUL CUBAN PITCHER
On a scouting trip to Cuba in 1957, Bobby Avila discovered 16-year-old righthander Luis Tiant on the island's Juvenile League all-star team.
ORGANIZATION REPORT
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad's career has been unique, to say the least.
TOP 10 NL EAST
From the moment Thomas White stepped on a high school mound, he was viewed as the top lefthander available in the 2023 draft.
PREPARATION PAYS OFF
lowa politician J.D. Scholten makes a surprising return to pro ball at age 44
MAKING THE GRADE
Assessing the future value of graduated National League prospects
TOP 10 NL WEST
Even in high school, Bryce Eldridge could hit the ball a mile. The 6-foot-7 righthander could also touch 96 mph off the mound.
Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention. Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers. Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
