Cowser finishes 2nd in tight AL Rookie of Year race

BALTIMORE -- When Colton Cowser reported to Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., in mid-February, he hadn’t been guaranteed a spot on the Orioles’ Opening Day roster. His disappointing 2023 MLB debut meant he was being thrown into a crowded mix of players battling to win a job as a fourth outfielder.

Nine months later -- with a breakout season in the books -- Cowser’s 2024 was capped by a second-place finish in the Jackie Robinson AL Rookie of the Year Award voting.

The 24-year-old Cowser received 13 of the 30 first-place votes cast by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and finished with 101 points in a tight race. Yankees right-hander Luis Gil won AL Rookie of the Year with 106 points, including 15 first-place votes. One of his New York teammates, catcher Austin Wells (17 points), placed third.

Cowser nearly followed in the footsteps of teammate Gunnar Henderson, who was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 2023 and was Baltimore's first winner since right-hander Gregg Olson in 1989.

• Rookie of the Year Award history

The hype surrounding Cowser -- the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 Draft out of Sam Houston State -- had quieted a bit heading into 2024, after he struggled for the bulk of his initial 26-game stint in the big leagues in '23. He went 7-for-61 (.115) with a .434 OPS and no home runs.

This year, Cowser used that performance to fuel his motivation in Spring Training. And it quickly became apparent that he was much improved and worthy of a spot on the Opening Day roster.

After originally breaking camp as Baltimore’s fourth outfielder, Cowser forced his way into the everyday lineup with a strong opening month, as he slashed .303/.372/.632 with seven doubles, six home runs and 18 RBIs over 28 games in March/April.

Although Cowser experienced ups and downs throughout the season -- as most MLB rookies do -- his final numbers proved to be well worth national recognition.

Cowser’s 24 home runs were eight more than any other AL rookie and tied with San Diego’s Jackson Merrill for most among MLB rookies. Cowser also ranked among the AL rookie leaders with 77 runs scored (first), 24 doubles (third), three triples (seventh), 69 RBIs (third), a .768 OPS (third) and a 4.0 fWAR (first).

Named a Gold Glove Award finalist in left field thanks to his above-average defense, Cowser was an integral piece in helping the Orioles go 91-71 and finish as the top AL Wild Card to reach the postseason for a second consecutive season.

“If you would have told me in February that this is the outcome that I would have had -- as a team and as an individual -- then yeah, I would have been pretty excited,” Cowser said of his rookie campaign in early October. “I'm not going to say I was the most consistent guy. There were definitely some low points where I would get frustrated. But I think that's a healthy reminder when you think about where I was at in February.

“Just to be where I am now is extremely grateful and blessed.”