Cowser's move to next level is felt in Orioles' outfield

Colton Cowser was supposed to move quickly through the Orioles’ system. They believed it would happen before making him the fifth overall selection in last year’s draft. The advanced, polished bat with its high contact rate. The defensive skills to play anywhere in the outfield.

And that’s exactly what’s happening. Right before our eyes.

Cowser already has reached Triple-A Norfolk, which is hosting Lehigh Valley tonight, after 143 minor league games. Only 32 in his first professional season.

The Tides are his fifth affiliate, counting the seven games played in the Florida Complex League. And he gets a full month with them before the offseason.

The Cowser watch begins next spring. Whether he actually breaks camp with the team or returns to Norfolk and is deemed ready at a certain date.

In the meantime, space must be created on Norfolk’s roster for Cowser and infielder Joey Ortiz, who joins him today from Double-A Bowie.

The Tides currently have Yusniel Diaz, Shayne Fontana, Robert Neustrom, Brett Phillips and DJ Stewart as active outfielders, with Johnny Rizer on the 60-day injured list. The holdovers in the infield listed alphabetically are Jonathan Araúz, Greg Cullen, Cadyn Grenier, Kelvin Gutiérrez, Gunnar Henderson, Richie Martin and Jordan Westburg.

Promoting Henderson certainly would be one solution, but I’m excusing myself from the guessing game.

Otherwise, I’d point out that the Orioles might wait at least until rosters expand on Thursday.

It’s Buck Britton’s turn to fit the infield prospects into the same lineup. The Orioles have a system designed for their minor league managers.

Cowser’s final at-bat with Bowie was a two-run, walk-off home run Sunday against Altoona. He would have been promoted if he popped up, but it’s still a nice touch.

The most interesting offseason in many years is approaching, most definitely since Mike Elias moved into the front office, and it could impact the outfield.

Kyle Stowers has arrived, and this time, we’ll assume, for good. Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays and Anthony Santander have been the primary starters. Ryan McKenna is a valued backup.

Trading Trey Mancini has allowed the Orioles to rotate players in the designated hitter spot. But Cowser is just a phone call away now. He’s going to debut next year if healthy.

Does Elias attempt to trade from what we’ll call a surplus here?

He kept Santander at the deadline despite lots of interest. I’ve heard that the Padres talked to the Orioles about Hays, but obviously before trading for Juan Soto. Of course, Elias was going to listen on anyone. It comes with the job.

There also was interest in Mullins following his 30/30 season, and he’s been on a tear this month.

Elias isn’t under pressure to make room for Diaz, who’s batting .238/.326/.344 in 51 games with Norfolk. Farther down the road are Heston Kjerstad and 2022 draft picks Dylan Beavers and Jud Fabian.

MLBPipeline.com’s top 30 Orioles prospects list includes John Rhodes at No. 23 and Hudson Haskin at No. 24, products of the 2021 and 2020 drafts, respectively.

There’s a more immediate situation unfolding. Teams will be coming to Elias, particularly at the Winter Meetings in San Diego, to check on available outfielders.

Elias knew this day was coming. The talent he inherited – Mullins and Hays were draft picks and Santander arrived via the Rule 5 draft - and who he brought into the organization.

“Colton has been one of the best pure hitters in the country since setting foot on campus,” Elias said on the night that he drafted Cowser. “He’s a five-tool player, and he’s somebody we project will impact our team and our lineup, both offensively and defensively. It’s rare to get those types of physical tools, and all five of them in a college performer like we just did. That’s why we took him.”

Cowser has made it to the International League at age 22. Less than two years after signing his contract.

It was expected to happen fast. And he’s just getting started.