Orioles rookie Colton Cowser has been moo-ving up the AL Rookie of the Year polls and is poised to make MLB history with a win. Colton Cowser made his MLB debut in 2023 but struggled in his first stint in Baltimore – going 7-for-61 with a .433 OPS in 26 games. He dominated Triple-A pitching, batting .300/.417/.520/.937 with 17 homers in 87 games with the Tides last season. But despite helping the Tides win their first Triple-A championship since 1983, the 24-year-old wanted another shot at the majors.
Orioles Rookie Leads Rookie Of The Year Race, Set To Make History
Cowser had a strong Spring Training, which, along with his ability to play all three outfield spots, earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster. Saying that this time around he was “going to do whatever it takes” to stay in the majors. Nicknamed “The Milkman,” Cowser has become one of the Orioles most reliable, everyday players. In 110 games, the 24-year-old rookie outfielder is slashing .254/.332/.466 with 18 home runs and 54 RBI. Drafted fifth overall by Baltimore in 2021, Cowser has also become one of the best defensive outfielders in the majors.
Orioles Rookie Colton Cowser Leading AL Rookie Of The Year Race
A Rookie of the Year contender for most of the season, Cowser has been red-hot since the beginning of July. Over his last 30 games, the lefty-hitting outfielder has a .318 batting average with 35 hits, six home runs, 20 RBIs, and 22 runs scored. During his recent surge, Cowser has been climbing the rookie leaderboards, separating himself further from the other American League rookies.
His 18 home runs lead all rookies, while his 3.2 WAR ranks second. Cowser is also third in RBIs, fourth in slugging percentage, sixth in wRC+, and seventh in runs scored.
Not only has he been impressive among rookies, Cowser has been so good that he sparked a moo-vement in Baltimore. The Milkman is tied-third with Jordan Westburg in homers for the Orioles and ranks second behind Gunnar Henderson in WAR.
Over the last two seasons, the Orioles have had two rookies finish atop AL Rookie of the Year voting. Gunnar Henderson won in 2023, while Adley Rutschman finished second in 2022 behind Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez. With the way Cowser has been playing, not only can he win Rookie of the Year, but he can also make history.
Should Cowser win, it would be the first time in Orioles franchise history that Baltimore had two consecutive Rookie of the Year winners. Baltimore would be the fifth American League team to achieve the feat. It would also mark the first time since the 2004 and 2005 Oakland Athletics that an American League team had two consecutive Rookie of the Year winners.
Main Photo Credits: David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports
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