Orioles insider throws cold water on exciting 2026 Opening Day center field option

Now that the 2025 season is over, it's time for Baltimore Orioles fans to dream big. O's fans haven't heard the front office or ownership downplay payroll expectations, and most of the offseason buzz suggests that the Orioles will be busy.

While that will inevitably lead to daydreaming about potential free agents or trades this winter, one of the more exciting options for the Orioles would be as simple as promoting a former first round pick.

With the decision to move on from Cedric Mullins at the trade deadline, locking down center field is going to be a priority. On paper, Colton Cowser seems like a natural fit to slide over, but there are some real questions about his long-term viability in the big leagues. Baltimore does, however, have another potential option sitting at Triple-A.

While he doesn't have an ideal offensive profile, Enrique Bradfield Jr. is wicked fast, has a good handle on the strike zone, and is at least a plus-defender in center if not better. Unfortunately, according to Orioles beat writer Jake Rill, the expectation is that Bradfield won't be in play for center field until at least the second half of 2026.

The Orioles don't plan to give Enrique Bradfield Jr. a shot early in 2026

It is important to remember that this is Mike Elias we're talking about here. Samuel Basallo sat at Triple-A for quite a while before he was called up and the Orioles resisted the idea ofcalling up Dylan Beavers until they literally ran out of excuses. This organization values service time and is notoriously cautious promoting prospects as a result.

There are some real reasons to pump the brakes on promoting Bradfield. While he's at the Triple-A level, Bradfield only has 15 games of experience there and he managed a measly .512 OPS in 56 at-bats. There's some merit to waiting until Bradfield makes contact more consistently and/or shows that he can impact the ball before giving him an opportunity.

All of that said, center field looks like a potential problem going into 2026 and Baltimore must be creative in order to maximize production. The Orioles don't have a shortage of outfield bats, but those who actually hit and defend — especially in center field — are much tougher to come by. One hopes that Baltimore at least goes into spring training with an open mind and give Bradfield a chance to convince them.