5 Baltimore Orioles prospects who should debut in 2023

Colton Cowser

Assuming Austin Hays in left, Cedric Mullins in center, and Anthony Santander splitting time between RF and DH, the Orioles are probably set in the outfield. Santander could move to being a full-time DH, a position that will likely be split between a few players, to allow Colton Cowser to come up at some point this season.

The path isn't as clear for Cowser as it is for Rodriguez or Westburg, but Cowser, like the others, should force his way onto the team. After putting up insane numbers in Double-A, posting a .469 OBP, Cowser cooled off in Triple-A. In 27 games, he hit just .219/.339/.429, and his walk rate fell from 16.1% to 10.5%. That's still a good walk rate, and a solid OBP, but the drop off was pretty significant. He'll start the season in Triple-A, but when the opportunity arises, or when he shows he's ready, he should have a starting job in the outfield. That opportunity will most likely come in 2023.

Cowser seems to be another safe bet to debut this year, but there is one scenario where I can see him not making the team - a deadline trade. The Orioles are still lacking a true ace, and while Grayson Rodriguez could develop into one, it's a lot to ask of a rookie. Corbin Burnes seems unhappy in Milwaukee and is just two years away from free agency. Maybe the Orioles could make a run at a trade with Cowser as the centerpiece?