Colton Cowser has quickly become one of the most exciting young outfielders in Major League Baseball. As a key player for the Baltimore Orioles, Cowser’s blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess has made him a fan favorite and a rising star in the league. His journey from a standout college athlete to a top MLB draft pick and now a regular contributor at the highest level is a testament to his hard work and natural talent.
Colton Cowser’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colton Dale Cowser |
| Date of Birth | March 20, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Education | Sam Houston State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (190 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (99 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 (MLB Draft, 1st Round, 5th Overall) |
| Net Worth | $4.9 million – $7.5 million |
| Salary | $774,500 |
| Career Earnings | $7,558,553 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Claire Wolford (girlfriend) |
| Instagram Profile | @coltoncowser |
| Twitter Profile | @coltoncowser |
Early Career
Colton Cowser was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where he attended Cypress Ranch High School. From an early age, Cowser stood out on the baseball field, earning all-state honors as a senior after batting .411 with 38 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. Despite his impressive high school stats, Cowser was not selected in the 2018 MLB Draft, which motivated him to continue his baseball journey at Sam Houston State University.
At Sam Houston State, Cowser wasted no time making his mark. As a freshman in 2019, he batted .361 with seven home runs, 54 RBIs, and nine stolen bases over 56 games. His outstanding performance earned him the Southland Conference Hitter of the Year award and Freshman All-American honors from several major publications.
That summer, Cowser represented the United States on the Collegiate National Team, where he was named MVP of the 2019 USA vs. Cuba Friendship Series after hitting .438.
Cowser’s sophomore season in 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he still managed to hit .255 with one home run in 14 games. As a junior in 2021, he delivered his best collegiate season, slashing .374/.490/.680 with 16 home runs and 52 RBIs in 55 games. He was named Southland Conference Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in the country.
Professional Career
Colton Cowser’s professional journey began in the summer of 2021 with the Orioles’ rookie affiliate, the Florida Complex League Orioles. He made an immediate impact, homering in his second at-bat and batting .500 over 22 at-bats before being promoted to the Delmarva Shorebirds. In Delmarva, Cowser continued to impress, hitting .347 with 26 RBIs in just 25 games.
The 2022 season saw Cowser move rapidly through the Orioles’ minor league system. He started with the Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A), then advanced to the Bowie Baysox (Double-A), and finally reached the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A) by late August.
Across all three levels, he played 138 games and posted a .278 batting average with 19 home runs, 66 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, and 36 doubles. His ability to adjust quickly at each level highlighted his advanced approach at the plate and baseball IQ.
Cowser began the season with Triple-A Norfolk, where he hit .330 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 56 games. His hot start earned him a call-up to the Orioles on July 5, 2023, making his MLB debut against the New York Yankees.
Cowser recorded his first major league hit, an RBI single, in his debut game. While he spent some time back in Triple-A later that season, he capped the year by leading Norfolk to a Triple-A National Championship, earning MVP honors with a dramatic grand slam in the title game.
Cowser’s first full MLB season came in 2024, and he quickly established himself as a key piece of the Orioles’ lineup. He played 153 games, batting .242 with 24 home runs, 69 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.
Cowser’s power, patience at the plate, and defensive skills in the outfield made him a finalist for the AL Rookie of the Year, finishing second in a tight vote. He delivered several memorable moments, including multi-homer games, clutch hits, and highlight-reel catches that showcased his Gold Glove-caliber defense.
Girlfriend
Colton Cowser is currently in a relationship with Claire Wolford, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
The couple reportedly began dating in September 2024 and have since made their relationship public, sharing moments from their lives on social media. Claire Wolford retired from cheerleading in May 2024 after four years with the Cowboys, expressing her gratitude and love for the team and her fellow cheerleaders in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Since going public, Cowser and Wolford have been seen attending events together, such as a romantic vacation in Puerto Rico and celebrating New Year’s at a wedding in Omaha, Nebraska. Wolford is often seen supporting Cowser at Orioles games, and the couple frequently shares photos together, highlighting their close bond and mutual support for each other’s careers.
Wolford has transitioned from her role as a cheerleader to focusing on her personal passions while also being a strong supporter of Cowser’s baseball career. Their relationship is characterized by mutual encouragement and respect for each other’s ambitions, with both maintaining their individual interests and supporting one another through the ups and downs of professional sports life.
Colton Cowser’s Net Worth Details
Colton Cowser’s net worth is estimated to be between $4.9 million and $7.5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Colton Cowser is currently playing under a standard pre-arbitration contract with the Baltimore Orioles for the 2025 MLB season. As a young player who has not yet reached arbitration eligibility, his salary is determined by the team, following MLB’s set guidelines for players with limited major league service time.
For the 2025 season, Cowser’s base salary is $774,500, which is fully guaranteed. He remains under team control through at least 2028, meaning the Orioles can renew his contract each year at a similar rate until he becomes eligible for salary arbitration. This structure is common for players early in their MLB careers, providing stability for both Cowser and the team as he continues to develop and contribute on the field.
Salary
For the 2025 MLB season, Colton Cowser’s salary is set at $774,500 with the Baltimore Orioles. This amount reflects his status as a pre-arbitration player, which means his earnings are determined by the team based on league guidelines for players with less than three years of major league service.
Cowser’s salary is fully guaranteed for the season, ensuring he receives the full amount regardless of injuries or time spent on the injured list. As he gains more experience and approaches arbitration eligibility, his salary is expected to increase significantly in future seasons, especially if he continues to perform at a high level on the field.
Career Earnings
| Year | Age | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21 | – | $4,900,000 | $4,900,000 | $4,900,000 |
| 2023 | 23 | $162,582 | – | $162,582 | $5,062,582 |
| 2024 | 24 | $742,800 | $978,671* | $1,721,471 | $6,784,053 |
| 2025 | 25 | $774,500 | – | $774,500 | $7,558,553 |
MLB Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | HBP | SO | SB | CS | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | BAL | 26 | 61 | 15 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 2 | 22 | 1 | 0 | .115 | .286 | .148 | .433 |
| 2024 | BAL | 153 | 499 | 77 | 121 | 24 | 3 | 24 | 69 | 52 | 7 | 172 | 9 | 4 | .242 | .321 | .447 | .768 |
| 2025 | BAL | 4 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | .125 | .222 | .313 | .535 |
| Career | 183 | 576 | 94 | 130 | 26 | 3 | 25 | 74 | 66 | 10 | 200 | 10 | 4 | .226 | .314 | .411 | .725 |
FAQs
1. Who is Colton Cowser and what team does he play for?
Colton Cowser is a professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball. He was drafted by the Orioles as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Cowser made his MLB debut on July 5, 2023, against the New York Yankees.
2. What is Colton Cowser’s background and where did he play college baseball?
Colton Cowser was born on March 20, 2000, in Houston, Texas. He played college baseball at Sam Houston State University, where he was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year as a junior. He became the highest-drafted player in the history of the Sam Houston State baseball program.
3. What are Colton Cowser’s MLB career statistics as of 2025?
Colton Cowser has played in 576 at-bats, with a batting average of .226. He has hit 25 home runs, recorded 74 runs batted in, and stolen 10 bases. His career on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) stands at .725.
4. What recent injury did Colton Cowser suffer, and how long is he expected to be out?
Colton Cowser suffered a fractured left thumb after being hit by a pitch. He underwent successful surgery for the injury and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. He is anticipated to be ready for the start of the 2025 season following his recovery.
5. What awards and honors has Colton Cowser received in his professional career?
Colton Cowser has earned several accolades, including being named an MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2022 and 2023, International League Post-Season All-Star in 2023, Baseball America Triple-A All-Star in 2023, American League Player of the Week in April 2024, AL Rookie of the Month in April 2024, and MLB Players Choice AL Outstanding Rookie in 2024.
6. What was Colton Cowser’s path through the minor leagues before reaching MLB?
After being drafted, Cowser began his professional career with the Orioles’ rookie affiliate team, the GCL Orioles. He was promoted to the Delmarva Shorebirds, then advanced through the Aberdeen IronBirds, Bowie Baysox, and Norfolk Tides before making his MLB debut with the Orioles.
7. How tall is Colton Cowser and what is his playing style?
Colton Cowser stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 220 pounds. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Cowser has played primarily as a left fielder and is recognized for his strong on-base skills and power potential.
8. What notable moments or achievements has Colton Cowser had in MLB games?
Colton Cowser has delivered several memorable performances, including hitting a leadoff home run and recording key RBIs for the Orioles. He has been recognized for his contributions during important games, such as earning AL Player of the Week honors and being named AL Rookie of the Month.
9. What are some interesting facts about Colton Cowser’s personal life or hobbies?
Outside of baseball, Colton Cowser has shared that he can ride a unicycle, a skill he picked up in middle school. He also mentioned that he enjoys having fun with teammates and values the experience of playing professional baseball over focusing solely on statistics.
10. Who are some of Colton Cowser’s notable teammates and what is his role on the Orioles?
Colton Cowser has played alongside Orioles outfielders such as Cedric Mullins. As one of Baltimore’s promising young players, Cowser is expected to be a key part of the Orioles’ outfield rotation, contributing both offensively and defensively when healthy.
