Orioles' Colton Cowser has chance to seize center field job

The 2021 5th overall draft pick looks to prove he's the right fit for the starting CF role.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Colton Cowser, the Baltimore Orioles' 5th overall draft pick in 2021, is poised to take over the team's starting center field job after primarily playing left field in his first year. Cowser believes he is well-suited for the center field role and is eager to prove he deserves the position.

Why it matters

The Orioles have high hopes for Cowser, their top draft pick in 2021, and securing the starting center field job would be a major step in his development and the team's rebuilding efforts.

The details

After primarily playing left field in his first professional season, Cowser is now getting an opportunity to show he can handle the center field duties for the Orioles. The team sees him as a key part of their future, and Cowser is confident in his ability to excel at the position.

  • Cowser was drafted 5th overall by the Orioles in 2021.

The players

Colton Cowser

The Baltimore Orioles' 5th overall draft pick in 2021, who is now competing for the team's starting center field job.

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What they’re saying

“Just overall in center field, I feel like I play it pretty well,”

— Colton Cowser (Baltimore Sun)

What’s next

Cowser will continue to get opportunities to prove he deserves the starting center field role during spring training and the early part of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Orioles are counting on Cowser to solidify the center field position as they look to build a contending team, and he has a chance to seize that role and show he was worth the high draft pick.