BA in 2025... he was ranked 14th in their system and he has a couple options left, this is a nice depth acquisition.
BA Grade/Risk: 40/Medium.
Track Record: The Yankees signed Cowles for $140,000 as a 10th-rounder out of Maryland in 2021 and he’s been a steady performer in each of his first three full minor league seasons. Cowles broke his wrist after getting hit by a pitch on July 25, but the Cubs still acquired him just days later at the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for righthander Mark Leiter Jr. Cowles recouped some at-bats in the Arizona Fall League after the season and was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 19.
Scouting Report: Cowles is a utility infielder type who flashed fringe-average power in 2024 with the ability to consistently find barrels. He shows average bat-to-ball ability with above-average swing decisions. When Cowles’ swing is right, he generates excellent hip-shoulder separation and drives pitches up the middle or to his pull side. When he’s off, as he was after the trade, his posture slouches and he pops up pitches he typically would drive. Cowles does an excellent job of manipulating the barrel and his true gift is his ability to square up the ball and optimize ball flight. He also crushes breaking balls. Cowles is an average runner who shows burst once underway, though he’s unlikely to steal more than 20 bases in a season. Cowles is a fringe-average defender and thrower who spent time at shortstop, second and third base in 2024.
The Future: Cowles’ addition to the 40-man roster and defensive versatility suggest he should see some MLB time in 2025.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 45.