Kyle Stowers arrived at spring training facing an uphill battle for playing time. Once named the organization’s minor league Co-Player of the Year with Adley Rutschman, Stowers had fallen behind the likes of Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad and even Ryan McKenna.
Anthony Santander, Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays were all locks to return, and the Orioles only needed one additional outfielder to break camp with the team. Kjerstad appeared to carry an early advantage after making the ALDS roster in 2023, but Cowser used a strong spring and superior defense to ultimately win the job.
Stowers did his best to make an impression in Sarasota with seven homers and 14 RBIs.