Orioles Top Spring Training Performer Might Not Get Roster Spot
It's hard to tell who the Baltimore Orioles might include on their Opening Day roster with so many established and talented players in the mix.
The front office and coaching staff have repeatedly said they're going to put the best team on the field.
If that truly is the case, then the Orioles should really be giving their No. 3 overall prospect, Colton Cowser, a legitimate look at being on the team for the opener.
He's been arguably the best hitter in camp so far.
In his 15 at-bats, he's tied for first on the team in home runs with three, has the most RBI with seven, and has six total hits.
The fifth overall pick in 2021 should be a cornerstone piece of this organization for years to come after flashing an elite hitting skill set during his three seasons in the minors.
With how veteran Ryan McKenna has struggled so far, there's a chance that Baltimore could move on and put Cowser into the fourth outfielder spot to start the year.
However, McKenna is out of minor league options, so the Orioles would have to place him on waivers and risk the chance of losing him if they decide to go with the star prospect.
The organization might decide not to do that.
Despite Cowser performing well in Spring Training, he also struggled during the 26 games he appeared in with Baltimore in 2023.
He slashed .115/.286/.148 with no homers, only four RBI, and 22 strikeouts compared to seven hits.
The Orioles might feel like relying on Cowser early is too risky and could look to keep McKenna with the Major League roster and stash the prospect in Triple-A for an extended period of time again.
That feels like a mistake.
Cowser's ceiling is much higher than McKenna's, and it would be better for Baltimore in the long run to give their potential star outfielder more reps in the field and against MLB pitchers.
What they decide to do will ultimately be seen in the coming weeks.
