The Toronto Blue Jays just made a move, claiming infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. This adds some much-needed depth as they keep tinkering with the roster for the season ahead.
Cowles brings versatility and a bit of intrigue to the Blue Jays’ infield. He’s not a superstar yet, but there’s potential here.
Who is Ben Cowles?
Ben Cowles is an up-and-coming name in baseball circles. The New York Yankees drafted him in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
People know him for his defense and a decent bat. He’s made a mark in the minors, showing off his ability to handle multiple infield spots.
Early Career and Performance
Cowles started out at the University of Maryland, mostly playing shortstop. He put up a .301 average, hit 10 homers, and drove in 46 runs during his junior year.
Those numbers got scouts interested, and the Yankees picked him up. In their farm system, Cowles kept working on his game with different minor league teams.
His defense stood out, and he managed to stay consistent at the plate. That combination made him a prospect to watch.
The Waiver Claim by the Blue Jays
The Blue Jays claimed Cowles from the Cubs, which says a lot about their intent to build a flexible squad. They’re clearly thinking ahead as they get ready for another grind of a season.
Why the Blue Jays Made This Move
Here’s what probably went into the decision:
- Defensive Versatility: Cowles covers multiple infield positions, which gives the Jays more options.
- Offensive Potential: His numbers in the minors suggest he could help out at the plate, too.
- Depth and Insurance: Injuries happen. Cowles gives the team more coverage in the infield.
Impact on the Blue Jays’ Roster
Bringing in Cowles shakes up the infield a bit. With his versatility, the Jays can try new lineup combinations and manage workloads better.
Potential Lineup Configurations
Now that Cowles is around, Toronto can rotate infielders more easily. For example:
- They can give Bo Bichette or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a breather without losing much on defense.
- They might use Cowles late in games to lock down the infield.
- There’s room to play with the batting order to find what clicks.
What Fans Can Expect from Ben Cowles
Fans might not know Cowles yet, but there’s reason to keep an eye on him. He’s got upside, and sometimes that’s all you need for a fresh spark.
Defensive Highlights
Cowles stands out for his range and arm strength. Whether he’s at short, second, or third, expect him to make some tough plays look easy.
There’s a good chance he’ll win over fans with his glove work.
Offensive Contributions
His bat isn’t his calling card, but he’s no pushover at the plate. In the minors, he’s come through in some big moments.
If he gets the chance, don’t be surprised if he delivers in clutch spots with a key hit or two.
Conclusion
The Toronto Blue Jays decided to claim Ben Cowles off waivers from the Cubs, and honestly, it feels like a smart move. Cowles brings some real defensive chops and a bit of offensive upside too.
He could end up helping out both in the field and at the plate. It’s not flashy, but sometimes those under-the-radar moves end up mattering most, don’t they?
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