Bobby Bradley continues to look like a future middle of the order slugger

Heading into the 2014 draft, Bobby Bradley was adamant to be drafted in the first or second round. So when the Indians drafted him in the third round, it was a potential issue that they would sign him. Bradley was a very highly regarded player in Gulfport, MS and committed to going to LSU. But the front office almost doubled his slot and Bradley signed for basically second round money.

He reported to the Arizona Rookie League and simply tore the cover off the ball. He slashed 361/426/652 (192 wRC+) with 16 walks and just 36 strikeouts in 176 PA. That Arizona team won the championship and Bradley walked away with a triple crown. That powerful start as an 18 year old just out of high school let the front office jump him a full level in 2015. He reported to Lake County and was the everyday first baseman.

He opened the season ice cold, with a 174/375/391 slash in April, but that was likely the effects of an oblique injury. But by May, things had picked up for him, 279/372/515 and five home runs. He crushed seven more in June and then slumped a bit in July. But August was the month Bradley really shined. He hit 337/432/731 with 11 bombs. In all he slammed 27 balls over the fence for the Captains, the most since Miguel Sano in 2012 and fourth most all-time for the Midwest League. He earned a late promotion to Lynchburg, but played in just two games.

If there is one weakness that stands out for Bradley, it is his whiff percentage. In 2014, he had an ok 20.5%. But in 2015, that ballooned to 31.8% at Lake County. He will have to work on cutting that down a bit as he progresses. He still did walk at an impressive 12.0% this season, so it appears he may have a decent batting eye.

He was voted #9 overall in the League by Baseball America. Am not sure how he didn't win the league MVP as his 181 OPS+ towered over Ryan McBroon's 143. Prior to 2015, MLB had him ranked #10 in the system, while the LGT vote had him at #7. Sickel had him #5 entering the year as a Grade B prospect. By year's end MLB's pipeline had him also up to #7.

I suspect he'll open at Lynchburg for 2016, and unless he goes Babe Ruth on the league, he'll likely stay there all season. He will be just 20 next year and playing in A+, so there is no real need to rush him. But hopefully he forces the issue with continued long ball success and a regression in strikeouts.