Benjamin Cowles Stats & Scouting Report

AB	59
AVG	.220
OBP	.277
SLG	.288
HR	0

Full name Benjamin Joseph Cowles
Born 02/15/2000 in Rochester, NY
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Maryland
Drafted in the 10th round (303rd overall) by the New York Yankees in 2021 (signed for $140,000).

View Draft Report

Cowles was a third team All-American this spring after posting a .287/.409/.632 batting line and a Big Ten-leading 18 home runs. That home run total was the fourth-most in Maryland program history and most by a Terrapins hitter since 2002. His power production was markedly different from his previous work at Maryland, as he hit just six homers combined between 2019 and the shortened 2019 season with a previous slugging percentage of .463. Teams struggle to know which version of Cowles is real and fear he sacrifices his approach in pursuit of more power. He has a shot to stick at shortstop but could ultimately slide to second base, where he could be a sneaky exciting pick if he can replicate his power consistently as a professional.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

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.

Career Transactions

Charlotte Knights activated 3B Ben Cowles.
Chicago White Sox optioned 3B Ben Cowles to Charlotte Knights.
Chicago White Sox claimed 3B Ben Cowles off waivers from Chicago Cubs.
Chicago Cubs designated 3B Ben Cowles for assignment.
Chicago Cubs optioned 3B Ben Cowles to Iowa Cubs.
Iowa Cubs activated 3B Ben Cowles.
3B Benjamin Cowles assigned to Mesa Solar Sox.
Tennessee Smokies activated 3B Benjamin Cowles.
SS Benjamin Cowles assigned to Tennessee Smokies.
Chicago Cubs traded RHP Mark Leiter Jr. to New York Yankees for SS Benjamin Cowles and RHP Jack Neely.
Somerset Patriots placed SS Benjamin Cowles on the 7-day injured list retroactive to July 26, 2024.
SS Benjamin Cowles assigned to Somerset Patriots from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
SS Benjamin Cowles roster status changed by New York Yankees.
SS Benjamin Cowles roster status changed by New York Yankees.
SS Benjamin Cowles roster status changed by New York Yankees.
SS Benjamin Cowles roster status changed by New York Yankees.
SS Benjamin Cowles assigned to New York Yankees.
SS Benjamin Cowles roster status changed by New York Yankees.