Cooper Bowman Embraces Versatility To Earn A Roster Spot

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Cooper Bowman didn’t have a first baseman’s mitt when the Reds asked him to play first base on Saturday (April 22).

He borrowed one from Spencer Steer, who is going to be a DH until he begins his throwing program on Monday.

The anticipated evaluation period is here and Bowman embraces it.

“Everyone around here can play,” Bowman said. “That’s the best part about playing here. The goal is to win so you have to have a bunch of players. There is definitely competition but they’re aware and I’m aware that I will play anywhere at any time.”

Bowman was selected by the Reds in the Rule V draft. It is for players who are not on a 40-man roster but have spent four seasons in professional baseball after signing at age 19 or older, or spent five seasons in pro ball after signing at 18 or younger (as of June 5 of that year). The rule requires that the player must remain on the 26-man roster all season or be offered back to the team he was drafted from.

Bowman is 25 years old, drafted by the New York Yankees in 2021 in the fourth round out of the University of Louisville. He was traded in 2022 to the Oakland Athletics that involved former Red Frankie Montas.

The Rapid City, South Dakota native knows the reality of baseball’s business.

“I have to earn it.  I could go back at any time. It could happen today,” Bowman said. “So come here early and earn your spot. There is nothing given here.”

Manager Terry Francona likes the athleticism, that includes speed but acknowledged that to earn a spot on the Reds’ roster not only must Bowman compete. He needs to fit in among the players also competing for a spot. For example, Bowman could have a steller spring but not win a spot because the Red need another left handed bat, as Bowman is right handed or a player that has more power off the bench.

Bowman is working on that.

“There are tons of things I’m working on. It depends on what you’re asking about. All offseason I have been trying to learn to elevate the ball a little more. Limit strikeouts and get on base so I can use my speed. Defensively, I am trying to learn any position I can.”

His first experience at first base went well for Bowman.

“I told him. In fairness to you, we’d like to see you at as many positions as we can. I asked if he had ever played first. He said no. I didn’t want to embarrass him. I told him to let me know when you’re comfortable there. He came to me three days later and said, ‘I’m ready’,” Francona said.

“I thought he did fine,” Francona said. “He made the play with the veteran pitcher on a 3-1 play. We didn’t have any cutoffs or relays but I thought he looked fine. One time he had to maneuver around a bat. I think he’s kind of a baseball player. I mean that as a compliment.”

Bowman was 0-for-3 at the plate but passed his first versatility test, which is important to Francona. Bowman’s second appearance on Sunday, the 23rd will be in left field.