American League

Cowser’s Early Returns Hearten Orioles

When outfielder Colton Cowser screened the first call he received from Orioles executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias on draft night, it was a rare instance when he failed to connect.

The Orioles made Cowser the fifth overall pick last year after he batted .374/.490/.680 in 55 games with Sam Houston State. He had more walks (42) than strikeouts (32), exactly the kind of high-contact hitter who fits Baltimore’s profile.

“I think one thing that’s just really rare with him, especially in today’s game, is the hit tool and the power without striking out,” Elias said. “He’s an elite contact hitter, uses the whole field.

“He runs. He throws. He plays center field and plays it well. He’s just really able to do it all and those types of profiles are hard to find.”

The missed call was just about the only misstep for Cowser, who quickly played his way to Low-A Delmarva and hit .347/.476/.429 in 25 games.

“I think that there’s always things that can help you grow your game, and I think this year kind of introduced me to some of those things,” Cowser said.

“I think the pace of the game, it’s a little different than college. There’s more routine - based. It’s more on your own. You’re playing every day pretty much. It’s kind of on you to adjust and get your business done, and I think that this little shortened season kind of helped me do that and get into a good routine.”

Cowser’s bat will accelerate his movement through the system.

The Orioles assigned Cowser to their fall instructional camp and invited him to two hitters’ minicamps in January. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde and three of his coaches flew to Sarasota, Fla., and watched Cowser and eight other players work out.

“It’s been pretty crazy whenever I sit down and actually think about it,” Cowser said. “I’m really blessed to be in the position I am in and very, very grateful.”

—ROCH KUBATKO

Powerful Casas Focuses On Swing Decisions

Triston Casas cemented his top prospect credentials in a range of settings in 2021.

In his age-21 season, he impressed in big league camp, delivered a solid performance with Double-A Portland, emerged as a middle-of-the-order contributor for Team USA in the Olympics and then held his own when promoted to Triple-A Worcester in the final weeks of the season.

Casas then led the Arizona Fall League in on-base percentage while hitting .272/.495/.487.

Many project Casas as a middle-of-theorder fixture for the Red Sox, with the possibility of an MLB debut in 2022.

Still, it’s noteworthy that the mountainous, 6-foot-5, 265-pound Casas—who is expected to combine a plus hit tool with plus or better power from the left