Colton Cowser got off to a scorching start during the 2024 season. However, since his incredible first month, his performance has been subpar. Taken with the fifth pick in the 2021 MLB draft out of Sam Houston State University, Cowser was a surprise pick. Despite being an under-slot selection, Cowser made his big league debut two years later in 2023. Although he went just 7-61 in his first taste of the MLB, Cowser remained a highly touted prospect. Cowser made the opening day roster for the Orioles in 2024 and had an incredible first month, becoming a rookie of the year front runner. But Cowser has cooled off since his great start, and a trip back down to Triple-A Norfolk may help him get back on track.
Orioles Rookie Who Had A Hot Start Needs A Reset In The Minors
Cowser’s Hot Start
To say Colton Cowser was putting up rookie-of-the-year numbers during April is an understatement. He was putting up MVP numbers. Cowser hit a .297 Batting Average in April and had a .991 OPS. Also, Cowser had six home runs and six doubles. This meant 12 of his 22 hits were for extra bases.
It was a ridiculous start that earned Cowser AL Player of the Week during the second week of April. On top of this, Cowser had proven himself as an elite defensive outfielder. It seemed like Cowser was a safe bet to be an everyday player all year. But things have gone south since April, leaving many wondering if Cowser needs some time away from the big league squad.
Cowser’s Lowly Summer
Once summer hit, Colton Cowser seemed to forget how to hit. Right after his elite month of April, Cowser posted a .580 OPS in May, with a .188 batting average. Adding on just one homerun in May, all of Cowser’s power seemed to have disappeared. It was a disappointing follow-up to an encouraging start to the season from Cowser. It worsened in June, with Cowser putting up a .182 batting average. Despite hitting five home runs in June, no other stats significantly improved. Yet, Cowser would still get regular at-bats and became almost a black hole in the lineup. Leading up to the All-Star break in July, Cowser’s stats have hit rock bottom and are headlined by a .443 OPS. The Orioles need to give him a change of scenery.
What Is Not Working For Cowser
The biggest issue for Colton Cowser is his high strikeout rates. Cowser strikes out 29.8 percent of the time. That is in the bottom 8 percent of the entire MLB. On top of that, Cowser whiffs at 31.7 percent of pitches he swings at. That is in the bottom 10 percent of the MLB. Overall, the strikeouts have been a huge problem. He had more than 20 strikeouts in April, May and June. That includes 26 strikeouts with runners in scoring position. That is a big reason Cowser has a .181 batting average with runners in scoring position. Overall, Cowser needs to lower his strikeout rate to succeed. A trip down to Norfolk could help him with that and aid Cowser in regaining his ability to read pitches.
Cowser Is Still A Part Of The Big Picture But Needs To Go Down For Now
The Orioles are well on their way to a playoff spot, and Cowser will be a part of the stretch run. He is a very talented player who has all the tools to succeed. However, for the rest of July and August, before that run begins, Cowser needs to take some time to focus on himself. A trip to the minors can help him reset and fix what is not working. He would receive everyday at-bats and, based on his past performance, have a lot of success. That would be good for Cowser to see himself get some hits and regain confidence.
A strong-hitting Colton Cowser would be a big boost for the Orioles come playoff time. Sending him down and giving him a break is the best way to activate Cowser into the beast that he is.
Main Photo Credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
