15 mins agoFollowing a wholly underwhelming MLB debut the year prior, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (hand) took off in 2024 with 24 home runs, nine steals, and a .242/.321/.447 slash line across 561 plate appearances. The success was driven by elite batted ball metrics—13.6% barrel rate, 46.1% hard hit, and .433 xwOBAcon. Only 15 qualified batters had more barrels per batted ball event, and that list includes many of the best hitters in baseball. The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his fractured hand in October but is expected to be ready for spring training. Cowser's power is very real. Still, he is limited by a couple of issues. He struck out nearly 31% of the time with a mediocre 79.2% zone contact rate. Although his 13% swinging strike rate implies a lower strikeout number, Cowser is too patient at times with a 19% called strike rate. He also whiffed over 41% of the time against breaking and offspeed pitches. Moreover, Cowser was mediocre at best against southpaws: .224 average, .661 OPS, and 89 wRC+. As a result, he only started 74% of games versus lefties. However, his defense in left field is elite, and he's passable even in center; Cowser was later inserted into games, and he didn't start at one of the higher rates among outfielders. All told, this is a rising young player with well above-average power in a good lineup. That makes for a worthy third fantasy outfielder who could take a significant step forward. Just remember the splits issue, and don't overpay. ATC projects Cowser to slash .243/.333/.428 with 21 home runs, 70 RBI, and nine stolen bases over 570 plate appearances, making him a solid pick at current 159.73 NFBC ADP for upcoming fantasy drafts.--Michael Cecchini - RotoBaller