This story was excerpted from Jake Rill's Orioles Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
SARASOTA, Fla. -- When Enrique Bradfield Jr. arrived at Ed Smith Stadium on Monday, he wasn’t expecting to play nearly a full nine-inning game. But plans can quickly change.
With Cedric Mullins exiting the Orioles’ Grapefruit League loss to the Twins with right hamstring discomfort, Bradfield entered as a pinch-runner with one out in the bottom of the first inning. Baltimore’s No. 6 prospect (per MLB Pipeline) went on to play the remainder of the exhibition contest, spending six innings in left field and the final two in center.
“Just got to be ready whenever your name is called,” said the 22-year-old Bradfield, who was selected by the Orioles with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
It wasn’t the first time this spring that Bradfield has come over from Minor League camp (located at nearby Twin Lakes Park) to serve as an extra player for Baltimore in Grapefruit League action. Through 12 games, Bradfield has already made five appearances. He could also get an opportunity to play in the Spring Breakout showcase game on March 14 vs. the Pirates at 7:05 p.m. ET.
So far, Bradfield is 1-for-9, with his lone hit coming on Feb. 25, when he legged out a seventh-inning infield single against Pirates left-hander Cam Alldred.
That day, Bradfield showed off his 70-grade defense and his 80-grade speed (both tops in the Orioles’ farm system). He stole second base after his hit, then made a nice running catch onto the warning track to retire Pittsburgh’s Jack Brannigan for the first out of the bottom of the ninth.
“He’s played some great defense,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “He’s made two or three really nice running catches, so he’s showcased his speed in the outfield. Heard that he was a plus defender, and he’s shown that so far.”
How about that speed?
“He can run,” Hyde said with a grin.
The stats don’t really matter at this point for Bradfield. The former Vanderbilt University outfielder didn’t receive an invite to big league camp, but even if he had, he wouldn’t have been a candidate for the big leagues after playing only 25 career games in the Minors -- three in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League, 17 for Single-A Delmarva and five for High-A Aberdeen.
In the sporadic opportunities Bradfield gets to visit big league camp, he’s making the most of it.
“I think it’s very valuable. There’s always something to take away and learn from,” Bradfield said. “I’m getting great experience around a group of great guys. They’ve been out here years, so they definitely know what they’re doing. To be able to prepare with them, just kind of pick their brains every chance I get, and get in there and see what it’s like to play in there for myself, it’s a great experience.
“Every day I get a chance to come over here, I’m grateful. I want to take advantage of just learning, because it’s going to come in handy one day.”
Among the outfielders whom Bradfield said he’s had multiple conversations with are Austin Hays (a six-year big league veteran), Colton Cowser (the No. 19 overall prospect in baseball) and Heston Kjerstad (the No. 32 overall prospect). Bradfield also got an opportunity to chat with former Orioles star Adam Jones, who has been in camp this week as a guest instructor.
Bradfield is in a great position to gain knowledge and then apply it during his first full year of professional ball. He’s planning to do so throughout his climb up the Minor League ranks, which he’s confident will eventually lead to him becoming a big leaguer.
“There’s no doubt in my mind I’m going to get to that level,” Bradfield said. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I’m not really worried about that. I’m going to take every day for what it is, I’m going to work, put my head down and just try and get better. That’s all I can do. I can’t control anything else.”