Baltimore Orioles Rookie Reveals Key To Stunning Turnaround

Baltimore Orioles rookie Colton Cowser's performance has improved dramatically since last year.

Apr 14, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (17) celebrates. / Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

With so much young talent debuting over the last few seasons, the Baltimore Orioles have watched their young players experience the highs and lows of adjusting to the major leagues.

Some players, like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, were instant superstars. Others, like Colton Cowser and Jackson Holliday, struggled initially.

Cowser, 24, floundered after making his MLB debut last season. In 26 games, he batted just .115/.286/.148 with three times as many strikeouts (22) as hits (seven).

Despite being a former first-round pick, Cowser wasn't guaranteed regular playing time on the 2024 Orioles. He would have to earn it.

And boy, has he earned it. Cowser was just named AL Player of the Week after hitting safely in all six games last week, slashing .435/.482/.1.130 with four home runs, four doubles and 12 RBIs in six games. He went from being one of the coldest players in baseball to one of the hottest, showing just how quickly things can change for a hitter.

In an interview with MLB Network before Monday's 7-4 win over the Minnesota Twins (Cowser went 0-for-4), he revealed his approach last offseason that helped him start 2024 on the right foot.

Let's hear from AL Player of the Week, @CowserColton! 👏

The red-hot rookie joined #MLBNOffBase to talk through his early success and more!@Orioles | #Birdland pic.twitter.com/SY6j9MtXH9

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 15, 2024

Cowser cited several different areas of focus, including remaining confident in himself, maintaining a consistent approach in the batter's box and giving himself enough space to cover the plate.

Credit to Cowser for staying positive, making adjustments and battling through adversity after a rough start to his MLB career. Many players never recover from their first taste of failure in the big leagues, especially when they have such high expectations surrounding them.

Cowser believed in himself and put in the work, and now it's paying off.