8 Orioles players who are putting up eye-catching numbers this spring
Here are some of the best spring performers from Orioles' spring training in 2024.
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The Baltimore Orioles, as a whole, have looked tremendous down at spring training. In fact, they have looked so solid top to bottom that their roster decisions have become very tough to make. They finally settled on their rotation to start the 2024 season, but this position player group has looked very, very strong so far.
With spring training winding down and the roster poised to be set in the coming days, it is time to take a look at the Orioles players that have showed out the most this spring in the box score. Some are battling for roster spots and are names that every Orioles fan probably knows by now, while some are not the names you would expect to see if you know them at all.
8 Orioles players whose spring training numbers have opened eyes
Errol Robinson
If one were to guess which Orioles players who have played in more than just a handful of games have eclipsed a 1.000 OPS this spring, you would probably guess names like Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, and Kyle Stowers. You would be right, but right up there with them has been Errol Robinson.
In 19 games this spring, Robinson has slashed .368/.556/.526 while stealing four bases along the way. Robinson isn't likely at all to make the Opening Day roster with all of the position player depth in camp, but he is making the Orioles look very smart for signing him to a minor-league deal right now.
Kyle Stowers
Speaking of Kyle Stowers, what a spring this guy has had. His power numbers are somewhat inflated from a three-homer game this spring, but his .256/.267/.744 triple-slash is still really impressive, considering his struggles in the big leagues so far in his career.
It looked like Stowers was going to make a real run at an outfield roster spot for a while there. However, he has cooled down a bit lately, and with how strong the next name on the list here has been, it is looking like he will be starting the season in the minors now.
Colton Cowser
Cowser came into camp firmly in the mix to make Baltimore's roster after three straight monster seasons in the minor leagues. Somehow, the Orioles' No. 3 ranked prospect has not only met those lofty expectations, but exceeded them with his play this spring.
In 16 games this spring, Cowser has put up a 1.174 OPS and he has done it all. He has six extra-base hits (including five homers), he is walking a ton, and he is tied in fourth place amongst all Orioles hitters with 13 hits this spring. He is gonna need to cut down his strikeouts a bit, but his overall play this spring has him as a favorite to be playing in the big leagues when the 2024 season starts.
Keegan Akin
We do have to include a pitcher or two on this list. While the pitching staff hasn't shown out quite in the same way as the Orioles hitters have, Keegan Akin has had a spring training that is more than worthy of inclusion here as he battles for a spot in the Orioles' 2024 bullpen.
In his six appearances on the mound this spring, Akin has yet to give up an earned run and has actually only given up one hit in his 7.1 innings of work. On top of that, he ranks fourth among all Orioles pitchers with 10 strikeouts in camp, despite the fact that all three pitchers ahead of him and many of the guys behind him have thrown significantly more often.
Gunnar Henderson
To the surprise of exactly no one, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year looks like he is going to pick up right where he left off in 2023. Henderson got off to a late start this spring, but his .419/.438/.645 line in his first 10 games of work seems to indicate that he isn't the least bit rusty heading into the season.
The most notable thing about Henderson this spring is that he will be playing shortstop this year. Henderson spent time at both short and third base last season and excelled defensively overall, but the Orioles decided not to mess around with him any longer and have given him the keys to one of the most important positions on the field.
Jackson Holliday
It is actually pretty remarkable that the Orioles have made the decision not to include Holliday on their Opening Day roster. Ever since Holliday came into camp, he has been without question one of their best hitters with a .954 OPS, with more than solid overall production. Up until Friday, many were just under the assumption that he was going to make the team right out of camp despite being just 20 years old.
A number of factors could be in play here, including service time considerations, his lack of experience against quality left-handed pitching, and getting him more defensive reps at second base. Whatever the reasoning may be, his performance this spring, combined with his demolition of the minors so far in his career, leads one to believe that Orioles fans won't have to wait very long to see him in the big leagues.
Dillon Tate
Popping back in to the pitching side of things really quick, Dillon Tate has had a long and winding road in his career so far. The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 draft has dealt with injuries and mechanical issues that derailed his once promising career. However, this spring has seen him take a nice step forward.
Tate has only made six appearances down at spring training, but he has yet to give up a run and, importantly, he has only walked one batter. While it is going to take more than a handful of spring training appearances to get his career back on track, it does seem like Tate has some things going his way heading into the 2024 season.
Coby Mayo
Lost in all of the big time performances from prospects on the 40-man roster competing for big league roster spots right out of camp has been the play of Coby Mayo this spring. While other guys on this list have gotten significantly more press than Mayo, make no mistake about it: Mayo has opened a lot of eyes and is going to be on the short list for getting called up in the not-too-distant future.
Not only has Mayo played in more games than any other Orioles player down at spring training, but he has also slashed .326/.426/.543 with eight extra-base hits. Mayo already made it to Triple-A last season, where he played well, and with his performance this spring, he could be back up playing with the big boys if there is a need at either of the corner infield spots in 2024.
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