Orioles' Veteran Outfielder Could Lose Roster Spot to Star Prospect

It was thought heading into Spring Training that many of the Baltimore Orioles' star prospects might be able to play their way onto the Major League roster for Opening Day.

The front office and coaching staff has talked about putting the best team out on the field, and based on how some of these youngsters have played during this exhibition period, the best unit might be with them on it.

With that also comes demotions for other players.

One who could be at risk of losing his roster spot is Ryan McKenna.

The 27-year-old was taken in the fourth round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Orioles and he made his Major League debut in 2021.

To this point, he's largely been used in a backup role where he comes off the bench to play at different spots in the outfield.

Out of his 257 games played, less than half of them are starts.

While McKenna is certainly a nice piece to have, his career slash line of .221/.299/.318 with roughly two home runs and 15 RBI per year doesn't make him unmovable.

Baltimore has been looking at ways to get their No. 2 and No. 3 prospects, Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad, more opportunities in the MLB.

After playing in 26 games with the Orioles last year, Cowser seemed like a prime candidate to potentially perform well enough to make the Opening Day roster this season despite struggling last year.

So far, he's held up his end of the bargain.

In 11 Spring Training at-bats, the 23-year-old has recorded four hits, three of them for homers, which is tied for the team lead, and has driven in six runs.

McKenna, on the other hand, has one hit in 14 at-bats with five strikeouts.

Don't be surprised if Baltimore decides to move on from the bench outfielder that is McKenna and puts their rising star prospect in his place to start 2024.