After being eliminated by the Royals, the Orioles reported that rookie outfielder Colton Cowser had broken his left hand. There is no indication that the injury will require surgery, but it may have an influence on Cowser’s offseason.
The injury happened on one of the most important plays in Wednesday’s loss. In the bottom of the fifth inning of a 1-1 game, the left-handed outfielder faced Kansas City reliever Angel Zerpa with the bases loaded and one out. On a 1-2 count, Zerpa launched a 97 mph fastball up and in. Cowser swung at the pitch, which struck him on the upper hand (video link). He was called out on strikes and Zerpa escaped the inning when he got Adley Rutschman to ground out. Kansas City scored in the next half-inning and would hold on for a 2-1 victory.
Baltimore scored only once (on a Cedric Mullins home run) during the two-game whitewash. It’s definitely not how Coswer or the team hoped to end the year, but the former fifth overall pick had a strong performance overall. Cowser hit 24 home runs in 561 plate appearances, batting.242/.321/.447. He’ll most likely be a finalist for the AL Rookie of the Year award.
Cowser established himself as a real power threat, while fanning in more over 30% of his plate appearances. His swing-and-miss percentage has always been a source of concern. He will need to make more consistent contact to become an exceptional hitter, but the power and outstanding defense in left field already make him a good everyday player.
The Orioles’ outfield situation could change. Anthony Santander is a couple weeks away from becoming a free agent. Following his 44-home run season, he will receive and refuse a qualifying offer. If Santander walks, the Orioles could move Heston Kjerstad into the corner opposite Cowser. This past summer, Baltimore allegedly contemplated selling Mullins. The former All-Star center fielder was in the midst of a months-long slump, but he found his groove in the second half, hitting.266/.374/.457. Mullins is entering his final season of arbitration, with MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz forecasting a $8.7 million compensation.
