Drafted in the 4th round (122nd overall) by the New York Yankees in 2021 (signed for $353,000).
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Bowman played two seasons at Iowa Western JC prior to transferring to Louisville this spring. In Iowa, Bowman hit over .400 for two seasons with five home runs and stole an impressive 44 bags in 50 tries. His hitting ability translated to the ACC this spring, as Bowman hit .293/.387/.455 with eight home runs and 20 stolen bases in 24 tries. He’s a plus runner who controls the zone well—14.4 K% compared to a 10.4 BB%—and should be able to stick at second, though teams could explore playing him in the outfield where his speed would be an asset.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Bowman hit .293 during his lone season with Louisville in 2021 after transferring from Iowa Western JC. The Yankees signed him to a $353,000 bonus that year and traded him to the A’s in 2022 along with three others in a deal for Frankie Montas. Bowman was more productive in 2023 despite dealing with multiple injuries, hitting .262/.360/.431 with 38 steals in 72 games.
Scouting Report: A quick-twitch athlete, Bowman is the fastest baserunner in Oakland’s system with the instincts to match. He consistently leveraged that speed on the bases as an amateur by using his solid contact ability and discipline at the plate. Upon turning pro, the Yankees tried to tap more into Bowman’s raw strength to unlock more power, but it led to significantly more swing-and-miss. Bowman restored a more line-drive-oriented approach in Oakland’s system and was impactful over the second half of the season, posting an .853 OPS over his final 38 games with Double-A Midland. Durability has been a concern for Bowman. He’s a solid defender at second base, but he worked on his outfield play after the season, and his average arm may be better suited for the grass.
The Future: If Bowman can stay healthy and continue to enhance his versatility, he could reach Oakland by the end of 2024 in a utility role.
Bowman played two seasons at Iowa Western JC prior to transferring to Louisville this spring. In Iowa, Bowman hit over .400 for two seasons with five home runs and stole an impressive 44 bags in 50 tries. His hitting ability translated to the ACC this spring, as Bowman hit .293/.387/.455 with eight home runs and 20 stolen bases in 24 tries. He’s a plus runner who controls the zone well—14.4 K% compared to a 10.4 BB%—and should be able to stick at second, though teams could explore playing him in the outfield where his speed would be an asset.
Scouting Reports
BA Grade: 45/High
August Update: Bowman was the fourth part of the A's-Yankees trade. The ex-Louisville Cardinals infielder is an opportunistic basestealer, although he struggled to hit for average at High-A Hudson Valley before the trade.
Career Transactions
Las Vegas Aviators placed 2B Cooper Bowman on the 7-day injured list.
Las Vegas Aviators activated 2B Cooper Bowman from the 7-day injured list.
Las Vegas Aviators placed 2B Cooper Bowman on the 7-day injured list.
Athletics sent 2B Cooper Bowman outright to Las Vegas Aviators.
2B Cooper Bowman roster status changed by Athletics.
2B Cooper Bowman returned to Athletics from Cincinnati Reds.
2B Cooper Bowman assigned to Las Vegas Aviators from Midland RockHounds.
Midland RockHounds activated 2B Cooper Bowman from the 7-day injured list.
Midland RockHounds placed 2B Cooper Bowman on the 7-day injured list.
Midland RockHounds activated 2B Cooper Bowman from the 7-day injured list.
Midland RockHounds sent 2B Cooper Bowman on a rehab assignment to ACL Athletics.
Midland RockHounds sent 2B Cooper Bowman on a rehab assignment to ACL Athletics.
2B Cooper Bowman assigned to Midland RockHounds.
2B Cooper Bowman assigned to Oakland Athletics.
2B Cooper Bowman roster status changed by Oakland Athletics.
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