Prospect Adley Cowser Set to Make Big-League Debut for Baltimore Orioles
In a series of exciting moves, the Baltimore Orioles are adding another promising player to their roster. Adley Cowser, the fifth first-round pick from the 2021 MLB Draft, is set to make his big-league debut. Cowser, an outfielder, was ranked No. 10 on MLB Pipeline’s Draft list that year and was taken by the Orioles at No. 5.
The Orioles managed to sign Cowser for a below-slot bonus of $4.9 million, continuing their trend of smart deals. This follows their strategy from the previous year when they signed college outfielder Heston Kjerstad at No. 2 overall, enabling them to go over slot for multiple players later in the draft.
Cowser, the highest-drafted player in Sam Houston State history, quickly proved himself on the field. In his pro debut, he showcased an impressive .982 OPS over 32 games with Single-A Delmarva. His outstanding performance continued in 2022, his first full professional season, as he reached Triple-A and finished with 19 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and a 15 percent walk rate.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Cowser. Despite being known for his solid hitting profile, he struggled with swings and misses, especially against breaking balls. In 2022, he struck out 174 times, with a 27.8 percent strikeout rate, which was higher than expected.
In 2023, Cowser made significant adjustments during his time at Triple-A. He improved his OPS to an impressive .996, with a batting average of .330, an on-base percentage of .459, and a slugging percentage of .537. He hit 10 home runs and stole seven bases while maintaining a high walk rate of 18.7 percent. Notably, his strikeout rate decreased to 23.3 percent, and he showed improvement against breaking balls and sliders.
Cowser’s ability to make adjustments will be crucial for his success in the big leagues. As he faces more spin and offspeed pitches, his performance against them will be closely watched. However, Cowser’s ability to see pitches and work favorable counts should help him continue to excel against fastballs, which he has shown an exceptional ability to hit.
While Cowser’s offensive skills are highly anticipated, he is not solely a bat-focused player. Despite not being the fastest player, his speed is utilized effectively both on the bases and in the outfield. He has proven his agility and instincts in center field, a position some evaluators initially doubted him in. With Cedric Mullins established in center field, Cowser is likely to see playing time in the outfield corners.
Fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating Cowser’s debut and are intrigued to see how he will fare against big-league competition. His ability to adapt and continue his impressive performance will be factors that determine his success in the majors.