Why the Cincinnati Reds Should Target Colton Cowser

If you missed the news earlier this week, it was reported that the Baltimore Orioles would be open to making massive changes to their roster. Essentially, everybody except Pete Alonso is available via trade, which has amplified discussions about potential trades and fits. So why not join in on the fun?

When you look at the Cincinnati Reds and Orioles, their paths really aren’t that different. Baltimore had one of the best young prospect cores in baseball coming up at the same time in the early 2020s, but things have since fallen flat to the point where the organization needs to shake things up. Cincinnati had a promising prospect core of its own and is trending in a similar direction. However, the Reds aren’t quite ready to make an adjustment in direction like Baltimore has.

While a number of Orioles would fit well on this Reds team, there’s one in particular I want to focus on: outfielder Colton Cowser. The 2021 fifth overall pick gained top-prospect status before becoming a regular in Baltimore, hitting 24 home runs as a rookie before struggling ever since.

Wait, I thought the Reds needed better, more proven players? They do, but adding Cowser to the mix is only one step in the equation.

The Fit on the Field

A need that has become constant over the past few seasons in Cincinnati has been the outfield. More specifically, center field. TJ Friedl looked like an answer for a moment before that went sour, leaving Dane Myers or Blake Dunn, both short-side platoon bats, as the best options. Carlos Jorge joined the team late in September but is not exactly a sure-fire option, especially for 2027.

Although I can be talked into some combination of JJ Bleday, Hector Rodriguez, Dane Myers, and Spencer Steer filling the corner outfield spots, none of them should be an everyday starter in center. Insert Colton Cowser.

Let me be clear: I no longer view Colton Cowser as the top prospect he once was. He’s a flawed player who comes with a ton of swing-and-miss and questions about just how much power he will provide. What I do know is that he’s a great defender at a premium position and could have more offensive upside to tap into.

The Reds do not need Cowser to be a key cog in the middle of the lineup, but instead a steady answer in center field. Improving the team’s defense would go a long way, starting with one of the more premium positions in center, where Cowser graded out as a seven-outs-above-average fielder in 2026. He also has a plus arm, which the Reds lacked when TJ Friedl was the starter.

Even if Cowser is a league-average hitter, his defense will make him a 2+ fWAR player. I also think there’s more offense to unlock. Yes, he’s going to swing and miss a lot, but he’s also going to draw walks. He comes with plus bat speed, which is a key component of producing power.

Prior to 2026, his batted-ball data was rather good. A 90-91 mph average exit velocity with a 14% barrel rate plays, especially in Great American Ball Park. I think there’s a world where Cowser hits 20 home runs, steals 10 to 15 bags, and puts up a 105 to 110 wRC+, making him one of the more impactful center fielders this team has had in recent memory. We saw T.J. Friedl do it, so I think Cowser can as well.

Another aspect that makes Cowser a fit is his left-handed bat. The Reds currently only have two true lefties expected to be on the Opening Day roster in Hector Rodriguez and J.J. Bleday, making the addition of another lefty crucial to balancing the lineup.

Although Cowser might not be the biggest name or best addition, he allows for other possibilities.

How Cowser Frees Up Other Avenues

Up and down this Reds lineup, make a list of team needs: catcher, rotation help, an infielder, an outfielder, and bullpen help. No, you’re not going crazy. I did just list essentially everything. Without a doubt, the Reds need help. Spending their way into filling those needs is not exactly in the Reds’ DNA or budget. I’m sure they’ll find a few free agents who could improve the team, but they’re going to have to find cheap options to plug some holes as well.

Cincinnati is not going to have a large chunk of money to spend on free agents, and I think what they do have should be used to bring back Tyler Stephenson, address the bullpen, and perhaps find a rotation arm. The free-agent market for center fielders includes Cedric Mullins, Trent Grisham, Daulton Varsho, and others who don’t move the needle or offer much upside. They’re fine players. I honestly wouldn’t mind Cedric Mullins if the price is right, but these aren’t exactly players I want the Reds to use a portion of their budget on.

If the Reds are able to get Colton Cowser, he would cost them roughly $3 million (his projected Arb-1 salary) while also coming with two more years of team control. Of course, that lines up with the same window as Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott, and other starters who are entering arbitration. I view 2027, 2028, and maybe 2029 as the last chance for the Reds to find success before we see major changes to the roster. Cowser fits that window.

The way I see it, this move is the easiest way for the Reds to address their need in center field while also balancing how they can address their other needs. Free-agent money goes toward pitchers and bringing back Stephenson, while trade assets go toward adding Cowser and perhaps another arm.

I cannot find an avenue where the Reds trade for a catcher. They simply aren’t out there. Trading for a starting pitcher would be welcomed, but starters with control are typically difficult to acquire. You could go out and get bullpen arms via trade, and maybe the Reds do, but based on the way we saw Cincinnati address the bullpen through free agency last year, I think they could do the same this season.

I also feel that the trade value Cowser carries matches what the Reds have available. Unfortunately, Cincinnati’s farm system is rather weak, and making a deal for a top prospect who hasn’t lived up to the hype is exactly the level of player Cincinnati will be able to acquire. Does Chase Petty have enough value to be part of a trade with other pieces added? I think that’s a deal that could make sense for both teams.

Final Thoughts

In order for the Reds to become competitive they’re going to have to get creative. If you dig through the names that are available in free agency and in the trade market, you’ll quickly realize it’s not as vast as you might think. Taking a risk on a player of Cowser’s talent is worth the roll of the dice.

Can the Reds help turn him around and unlock more potential? It’s a fair question that many fans will have and understandably so. Cincinnati does not have the strongest track record on reclamation projects, for lack of a better term. But that doesn’t mean they should stop trying. A lefty bat with some power potential who’s a great fielder in center with three years of control is something this team could desperately use.