The Orioles introduced as we speak that outfielder Colton Cowser underwent profitable surgical procedure to restore his fractured left hand. Cowser, who the O’s introduced is predicted to be prepared for Spring Coaching in 2025, was identified with the fracture shortly after the Orioles had been eradicated from the playoffs by the hands of the Royals. Within the remaining sport of Baltimore’s season, Cowser swung at an up-and-in pitch from Kansas Metropolis southpaw Angel Zerpa and was referred to as out on strikes regardless of being struck within the left hand by the pitch.
The information is considerably shocking, as there have been no fast indications that Cowser’s fracture would require surgical procedure within the aftermath of the damage. All the identical, the Orioles are certainly relieved that the 24-year-old figures to keep away from lacking the early a part of subsequent yr as a result of difficulty after a banner yr in 2024. The rookie’s first full season within the majors was very spectacular, as he slashed a stable .242/.321/.447 with a wRC+ of 120, 24 homers, and 9 steals.
That sturdy offensive efficiency mixed with stable glove work within the outfielder, the place he cut up time between all three outfield spots. That proved to be sufficient to not solely cement Cowser’s position because the Orioles’ on a regular basis left fielder but additionally allowed him to steer AL rookies in fWAR with a 4.0 determine that was solely eclipsed by Padres heart fielder Jackson Merrill and Pirates righty Paul Skenes amongst MLB rookies this yr. By way of left fielder’s Cowser’s efficiency tied with Tigers outfielder Riley Greene for the fifth-most fWAR within the majors, trailing solely Jarren Duran, Yordan Alvarez, Jurickson Profar and Steven Kwan.
Waiting for 2025, Cowser’s glorious efficiency within the outfield this yr figures to make him a key cog within the Baltimore lineup subsequent season, significantly given the upcoming free company of proper fielder Anthony Santander subsequent month. With Santander seemingly unlikely to return subsequent yr, the Orioles determine to rely extra closely on the manufacturing of Cowser and fellow teenager Heston Kjerstad within the outfield alongside Cedric Mullins subsequent yr, although infield prospect Coby Mayo’s identify has additionally been floated as a possible outfield choice for the membership subsequent yr. In fact, even an outfield combine that options sturdy seasons from each Kjerstad and Mayo would certainly miss the manufacturing supplied by Santander, who slugged a career-best 44 homers in 2024.
Provided that, it could hardly be a shock if the Orioles explored including a veteran bat to their outfield combine to be able to assist safeguard in opposition to damage or potential struggles from the membership’s younger outfielders. Whereas the Orioles determine to primarily give attention to bolstering a pitching workers that figures to lose Corbin Burnes to free company and be with out key items resembling Kyle Bradish within the early a part of subsequent yr, there ought to be numerous inexpensive veteran bats accessible resembling Michael Conforto or Mark Canha who could possibly be added with out a vital monetary burden if the membership desires so as to add depth to its outfield combine.
