Orioles 2021 Draft Pick Cracks Opening Day Roster

After a stellar spring, Colton Cowser, Baltimore’s No. 3 prospect has made the Orioles Opening Day roster. Cowser found out that he made the team after the Orioles victory over the Twins on Sunday.

The writing was on the wall after the Orioles optioned outfielders Heston Kjerstad and Kyle Stowers to Triple-A on Friday. He was called up to the big leagues for the first time and debuted for the Orioles last July. But he returned to Norfolk after batting .115/.286/.148 with two doubles and four RBIs over 26 games. He did get called back up for two days in September but did not play and was left off the postseason roster.

The 24-year-old outfielder had a strong campaign in the minors last season batting .300/.417/.520 in 87 games with the Norfolk Tides. Now he will get another shot at the big leagues when the season begins on Thursday.

Colton Cowser Makes Orioles Opening Day Roster

Cowser reported to spring training part of a crowded outfield looking to make the Opening Day roster. He batted .304/.418/.717 with a double, six home runs, and 13 RBI in 18 games this spring. Cowser’s production at the plate and his ability to play all three outfield positions earned him a spot on the Orioles roster.

After the Orioles Grapefruit League finale, Cowser was asked while leaving the clubhouse how he felt about his Spring Training. “I felt like the work was there, I felt like I had a really good spring,” he said. “Would like to cut up on some things, but overall I like the way I was aggressive, things like that. And then, yeah, I was just informed that I made the club.”

His plan to be successful in his second stint in the big leagues is to “do all the things I did in spring. Maybe not strike out as much,” he said. Overall, he liked where he was at with his aggressiveness and his approach. Cowser likely will not open the season with a regular spot in the Orioles lineup. He will be the Orioles fourth outfielder behind Baltimore’s trio of starters Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, and Anthony Santander.

“Colton’s really, I think, improved his standing with anyone that’s watched him,” Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Friday.

Colton will get to run down the orange carpet for his first career Opening Day on Thursday at Camden Yards.

“It’s going to be cool. I’m going to soak it in,” Cowser said. “And then, I’m going to do whatever it takes to stay up there.”