Orioles' Colton Cowser Primed for Breakout Season

Young center fielder looks to bounce back from injury-plagued 2025 campaign

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:09am

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Colton Cowser, the 25-year-old center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles, is gearing up for a strong 2026 season after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign. Cowser went 2-for-5 with an RBI double in a recent Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, continuing a hot spring training that has seen him hit safely in five straight games and seven of his last eight outings. The Orioles are counting on Cowser to be their primary center fielder this season as he looks to regain the form that saw him slash .196/.269/.385 with 16 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 92 games in 2025.

Why it matters

Cowser's development is crucial for the Orioles as they look to build a contending roster around young talent. After a disappointing 2025 season, a bounce-back year from Cowser could provide a major boost to the team's outfield and lineup. If he can stay healthy and recapture his 2024 form, Cowser has the potential to emerge as one of the top center fielders in the league.

The details

Cowser, a 2021 first-round draft pick, is looking to put his injury-plagued 2025 season behind him. He was limited to just 92 games and 327 at-bats last year, slashing .196/.269/.385. However, he has shown promising signs this spring, hitting safely in five straight Grapefruit League games and seven of his last eight overall. The Orioles are counting on Cowser to be their everyday center fielder in 2026 as they look to build around their young core.

  • Cowser went 2-for-5 with an RBI double in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.
  • Cowser is heating up this spring, hitting safely in five straight Grapefruit League contests and seven of his last eight outings.

The players

Colton Cowser

A 25-year-old center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles, Cowser is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season and establish himself as one of the top young outfielders in the league.

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What’s next

Cowser will look to continue his strong spring training performance as he prepares to be the Orioles' primary center fielder on Opening Day.

The takeaway

Colton Cowser's development is crucial for the Orioles as they look to build a contending roster around young talent. If he can stay healthy and recapture his 2024 form, Cowser has the potential to emerge as one of the top center fielders in the league and provide a major boost to the Orioles' lineup and outfield.