BREAKING NEWS:Orioles’ Colton Cowser, Ryan Mountcastle miss out on Gold Gloves….

In a stunning turn of events, two of the Baltimore Orioles’ young standouts, Colton Cowser and Ryan Mountcastle, have missed out on winning the coveted Gold Glove Awards for the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. The announcement, which came on the heels of a resurgent year for the Orioles, has sent ripples through the Baltimore fan base and left many analysts debating the reasons behind their exclusion. While both players demonstrated defensive prowess throughout the season, the final decision left many fans and critics alike wondering how close they were to achieving the prestigious recognition.

Background: Orioles’ Resurgence and Defensive Performances

The Orioles, long considered a rebuilding franchise after a series of disappointing seasons, made significant strides in 2024. Building off a strong 2023 campaign that saw them contend for the postseason, the team continued to develop its young core, led by Cowser, Mountcastle, and other budding stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. Their combination of young talent and veteran leadership created a dynamic atmosphere in Baltimore, and defensive excellence played a key role in the team’s ability to stay competitive in a tough American League East division.

Colton Cowser: A Defensive Standout in the Outfield

Colton Cowser, the Orioles’ highly-touted outfielder, has been regarded as one of the brightest young stars in MLB. Drafted fifth overall in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Sam Houston State, Cowser quickly rose through the Orioles’ minor league system and made his major league debut in 2023. His 2024 season solidified his position as a premier defensive player in the league.

Cowser patrolled the outfield for the Orioles with confidence and grace, primarily playing in center field but also showcasing versatility by filling in at both left and right field when needed. His exceptional range, combined with a strong and accurate arm, made him one of the toughest outfielders to run against. According to advanced defensive metrics, Cowser finished the season with a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) of +12, a mark that put him among the elite outfielders in baseball. His ability to track down difficult fly balls in the spacious outfield at Camden Yards was a key element of the Orioles’ defensive strategy, often preventing extra-base hits and runs.

Despite his excellent performance in the field, Cowser was passed over for the Gold Glove in favor of more established names like Kevin Kiermaier, the Toronto Blue Jays’ veteran defensive stalwart, and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox, who ultimately took home the hardware. While both Kiermaier and Robert had stellar defensive seasons, Cowser’s omission raised eyebrows, particularly given his standout season in only his second year in the majors.

Ryan Mountcastle: A Rock at First Base

Ryan Mountcastle, the Orioles’ first baseman, also delivered an impressive defensive season in 2024. Known more for his power at the plate early in his career, Mountcastle focused on improving his defense in recent years, and his work paid off with a dramatically improved showing in the field.

Mountcastle posted a .995 fielding percentage in 2024, making only three errors in 620 total chances. His range at first base was also a highlight, as he routinely made difficult picks on low throws from infielders and demonstrated excellent footwork around the bag. Furthermore, his ability to save runs with his defense was reflected in his +8 DRS, making him one of the top defensive first basemen in the American League.

Mountcastle’s improvement was a significant factor in the Orioles’ overall defensive upgrade in 2024, with fewer errors and more double plays turned than in previous seasons. Yet, like Cowser, Mountcastle was overlooked for a Gold Glove. The award at first base went to Nathaniel Lowe of the Texas Rangers, who had a strong defensive season but not necessarily one that outshone Mountcastle’s contributions.

The Gold Glove Voting Process: How Did They Miss Out?

The Gold Glove Award is decided through a combination of votes from MLB managers and coaches, who are not permitted to vote for players on their own teams, and advanced defensive statistics. The Sabermetric component, which accounts for 25% of the total score, includes metrics like Defensive Runs Saved, Outs Above Average (OAA), and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), all of which are designed to quantify a player’s defensive value beyond traditional statistics like fielding percentage.

For Cowser and Mountcastle, their defensive metrics were strong, but it seems their reputations may not have been enough to sway the voting panel. In Cowser’s case, his lack of a long track record compared to veterans like Kiermaier and Robert likely played a role. Both Kiermaier and Robert have built their reputations as elite defensive players over several seasons, and in awards voting, reputation can sometimes tip the scales when metrics are close.

For Mountcastle, the competition at first base was particularly stiff in 2024. Nathaniel Lowe, the eventual winner, had an outstanding defensive season and has been improving defensively year after year. His overall profile as a rising star on a contending Rangers team may have also bolstered his case.

Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Confusion

The reaction from Orioles fans has been one of disappointment and, in some cases, confusion. Many took to social media to express their frustration with the voting results, arguing that both Cowser and Mountcastle deserved more recognition for their defensive efforts.

“Colton Cowser got robbed, plain and simple. He’s been a wall in center field for us all year, and it’s a joke that he didn’t win the Gold Glove,” one fan tweeted. Another fan added, “Mountcastle put in so much work at first base, and it showed. I don’t know how they gave it to someone else.”

The local media in Baltimore has also weighed in, with several prominent sports journalists calling for a reevaluation of the voting process. “It’s tough to see these young players miss out on awards they’ve earned on the field. The Gold Glove voting is always a bit subjective, but Cowser and Mountcastle were absolutely among the best at their positions this year,” wrote an Orioles beat writer in The Baltimore Sun.

What’s Next for Cowser and Mountcastle?

While missing out on the Gold Glove is a tough pill to swallow, both Colton Cowser and Ryan Mountcastle are poised to be key contributors to the Orioles’ success for years to come. Their defensive performances in 2024 have not gone unnoticed, even if they weren’t rewarded with hardware this year.

For Cowser, who is just 24 years old, the future is incredibly bright. He will enter the 2025 season as one of the best young outfielders in the league, and with continued development, he’s likely to contend for a Gold Glove again in the near future. His defensive instincts, combined with his growing prowess at the plate, make him a cornerstone of the Orioles’ rebuild and a player who could become a perennial All-Star.

Mountcastle, 27, is entering the prime of his career and has already established himself as a key player in Baltimore’s lineup. While his defensive work at first base has come a long way, he also continues to be a potent offensive threat, hitting over 25 home runs in 2024. His all-around game is trending upward, and with the Orioles expected to contend in the American League for years to come, Mountcastle will have more opportunities to showcase his defensive skills on a national stage.

Looking Ahead: Orioles’ Prospects for Future Gold Gloves

The Orioles, as a team, have placed a renewed emphasis on defense in recent seasons, and the results are evident. With young players like Cowser and Mountcastle leading the charge, and other rising stars such as Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg showing promise in the infield, Baltimore’s defensive future looks bright.

The Gold Glove awards may have eluded the Orioles this year, but if they continue to develop defensively and perform at a high level, it seems only a matter of time before they break through. As the Orioles build toward sustained success, the team’s focus on defense will remain a core component of their strategy, and future Gold Gloves for players like Cowser and Mountcastle seem within reach.

For now, however, the sting of missing out on the prestigious awards will serve as motivation for both players as they prepare for the 2025 season. As they continue to grow and mature as players, their efforts will undoubtedly be recognized in due time, and Baltimore fans can look forward to many more years of top-notch defensive play from their young stars.

The 2024 Gold Glove results may have sparked debate, but one thing is clear: Colton Cowser and Ryan Mountcastle are integral parts of the Orioles’ future, and their defensive excellence will continue to be a key factor in the team’s pursuit of a championship.