Orioles news: Colton Cowser update, more coaching changes, and a minor league signing

On Tuesday afternoon, the Orioles announced that rookie sensation Colton Cowser had undergone successful surgery to repair the broken hand he suffered during the AL Wild Card series against the Royals.

Cowser got hit on the hand by a pitch in Game 2 of the series and was forced to leave the game shortly afterward. Later that week, Cowser was officially diagnosed with a fractured left hand. While there was no official word from the Orioles that Cowser would need surgery to repair the fracture, it's so early in the offseason that it shouldn't hinder his ability to return on time in 2025.

Cowser had an exceptional year in 2024. The O's rookie hit .242/.321/.447 with 24 homers and 9 steals, and was just yesterday named a Gold Glove award finalist by Rawlings. Cowser should have a good shot at winning the American League Rookie of the Year award as well, though he'll have stiff competition in Austin Wells and Luis Gil, both of the Yankees.

Orioles announce yet another coaching change for 2025

On Monday afternoon, the Orioles officially parted ways with co-hitting coach Matt Borgschulte, who had been with the organization since 2022. The move was initially reported by Brandon Warne, a Twins reporter who noted that Borgschulte was indeed heading back to the Twins.

Borgschulte had spent three years with the Twins, from 2018-2021, before coming to Baltimore. He'll report to Minnesota as their major league hitting coach and work to fix a struggling offense that like Baltimore collapsed in the second half.

The Orioles have now parted ways with both major league hitting coaches, as well as two other members of their big league coaching staff. It's likely that they'll fill all four open roles later this winter, though it's possible that if they find the right person they'll role with a singular hitting coach heading into 2025.

Orioles make first minor league signing of the offseason

While the Orioles won't be able to get busy in the real free agent market until after the World Series ends, they've made their first minor league signing of the offseason. Mike Elias has opted to bring catcher David Banuelos back on a one-year, minor league deal that includes an invite to major league spring training.

Banuelos spent the majority of the 2024 season on the Orioles' taxi squad. He spent a few days with the big league club but received just one major league plate appearance. In Triple-A, Banuelos hit .225/.360/.352 across 22 games.

While Banuelos doesn't offer a ton of upside behind the plate, he does give the Orioles another cheap option to work behind Adley Rutschman in case of emergency. It's unclear how backup James McCann's free agency will play out, or if he'll return to Baltimore. In the event where McCann moves on, Banuelos could get an extended look during the spring, but there's a lot left to happen before we get an answer on that front.