Orioles could consider bold Colton Cowser trade to fix infield

The 2026 season figures to be a decisive one for Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser after a 2025 campaign that was defined by injury and offensive regression. Cowser seems likely to open the season as the Orioles' starting center fielder, but the recent injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg could open the door for Baltimore to entertain a creative trade idea with the Houston Astros.

The Astros have acknowledged throughout the offseason (and early days of spring training) that their roster, one that includes both Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes, may not be tenable for the duration of the season. Unfortunately for Houston, they've made little progress in their efforts to pull off a trade.

At one point, it seemed that the Astros may have found a trade partner in the Boston Red Sox. But those talks have been silenced after Boston's trade for Caleb Durbin. Paredes feels like the odd man out on Houston's roster, and if the Orioles are looking for an upgrade at third base, a deal could actually make sense between the two teams.

Orioles could circle Astros in a bold trade to replace Jordan Westburg at third base

At the center of the Astros' trade talks involving Paredes is their search for a left-handed hitting outfielder. The Astros were linked to Michael Conforto before he signed with the Chicago Cubs, and general manager Dana Brown hinted over the weekend that their search may lead them to the trade market.

Enter the Orioles and Cowser, the left-handed hitting outfielder who could check the box for the Astros.

To be clear, at this juncture, the Orioles probably don't feel compelled to give up on Cowser, and they also don't appear to be in a rush to replace Westburg at third base. His status is still in need of some clarity, and between Coby Mayo, Blaze Alexander, and Jeremiah Jackson, they have enough infielders available to at least get them through Holliday's absence.

There's a chance, however, that Westburg's UCL does not respond to PRP injections, and he could ultimately be ruled out for the entire 2026 season. Mayo is far from a known commodity at the major league level, which could create a need at third base.

Paredes would be a creative way to add more established potency to the Orioles' lineup. He's earned All-Star selections in each of the last two years and would lessen the importance of Westburg's recovery. Something that has been a question mark for most of the last two years.