Undrafted Dreamer No More: TT Bowens Climbs to Triple‑A On Deck Circle with Orioles, Eyes His Next Big Leap

When the 2020 MLB Draft came and went, TT Bowens didn’t hear his name called. That could have been the end of the road for many players, especially during a pandemic-shortened draft that only allowed five rounds. But for Bowens, it was just the beginning. Instead of sulking or second-guessing, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Orioles and got to work. Now, after five years of grinding through the minors, Bowens has made it to Triple-A — the on-deck circle to the big leagues — and he’s getting closer to turning his dream into a reality.

TT, born Terry Oneal Bowens in New London, Connecticut, has always played with a chip on his shoulder. From his days at Montville High School, where he dominated on the diamond, to his time at Central Connecticut State University, where he mashed his way to regional recognition, Bowens has let his bat and drive do the talking. Despite missing the attention of the scouts in the early rounds of the draft, the Orioles saw something others didn’t — and that something is now standing just one rung below Major League Baseball.

Bowens’ journey has been anything but easy. In the minors, there are no guarantees, no headlines, and not a lot of glamour. Long bus rides, small stadiums, and quiet crowds are part of the deal. But Bowens took every challenge in stride. After signing with the Orioles in 2020, he got his first real shot at pro ball in 2021, splitting time between Low-A Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen. It didn’t take long for people in the organization to notice his power. He had 13 home runs that season, along with 56 hits and 43 runs scored — and earned Player of the Week honors for a Fourth of July stretch that included fireworks both on and off the field.

He battled injuries the next year, a frustrating but common experience for young players learning to manage the grind of a long season. Still, Bowens stayed focused, always looking to refine his swing, improve his approach, and be ready for when the next opportunity came. That mindset paid off in 2023, when he returned to Aberdeen with a healthier body and sharper skills. He posted a strong campaign — with respectable power numbers, a solid average, and a growing reputation as a team-first guy who could come through in big spots. Even when an oblique strain knocked him out of the postseason, he stayed in the dugout, cheering on teammates and staying locked in.

It was in 2024 that everything started to click on a higher level. Assigned to Double-A Bowie, Bowens became a key contributor in the lineup. His stat line wasn’t just about one hot week or a couple of home runs — it was about sustained impact. In 81 games, he hit .246, with 19 doubles, 12 home runs, and 52 RBIs. He led the team in extra-base hits and ranked among league leaders in multiple categories. Then came July 31 — a night he won’t forget. Two home runs, including his first grand slam, and six RBIs in one game. That performance helped punch his ticket to Triple-A, and on August 6, he got the call.

Stepping onto a Triple-A field for the first time is a career milestone, and Bowens handled it with calm professionalism. In his debut, he drew two walks, smacked a double, and picked up an RBI. Even though the next few weeks in Norfolk came with some bumps — six hits in his first 15 games — it was clear he wasn’t out of place. The pitchers were tougher, the pressure higher, but Bowens was built for it. His journey had already prepared him for the ups and downs of baseball at this level.

The 2025 season has been a test of resilience and readiness. Bowens has bounced between Triple-A and Double-A, dealt with a few minor injuries, and still managed to put together another solid season. With over 200 at-bats under his belt, he’s hit around .241, slugged 12 home runs, and driven in 40 RBIs. More importantly, he’s shown he can adapt. His OPS continues to hover near the .800 mark — a sign that his all-around offensive game is maturing.

One of the most compelling parts of Bowens’ story is how he’s managed to keep growing without losing himself. He’s never been the loudest guy in the room or the flashiest name in the prospect pipeline. But his teammates know him as a steady presence, someone who works hard, encourages others, and takes every rep seriously. Coaches talk about his leadership and professionalism. He’s the kind of player who might not be in every top-30 list, but who shows up when the game’s on the line.

Bowens has also had moments that give a glimpse of the major league player he could become. In spring training, he hit a clutch three-run homer in the ninth inning of a Grapefruit League game, taking a veteran reliever deep and energizing the dugout. In the Arizona Fall League, he exploded with a two-homer game that lit up radar guns and drew attention from national scouts. These flashes — combined with his steady climb — have made people inside and outside the organization take notice.

What comes next is the big question. At age 27, Bowens is entering what many consider the prime years of a baseball player’s career. He’s healthy, experienced, and motivated. The Orioles’ major league roster is deep, especially at the corners and designated hitter, but injuries and late-season fatigue could open doors. A September call-up isn’t out of the question. If not this year, spring training 2026 will be another chance for him to break through.

Regardless of the timeline, one thing is clear: TT Bowens has earned everything he’s gotten. No high draft slot, no shortcut, no silver spoon. Just grit, growth, and an iron will to keep going. He’s the kind of story baseball needs more of — a reminder that talent can be found anywhere, that work ethic still matters, and that belief in yourself, even when others pass you by, can take you a long way.

For the young players out there grinding through early mornings and late-night practices, Bowens is a symbol of what’s possible. For Orioles fans, he’s someone worth rooting for — not just for his bat, but for his journey. The next time you’re watching a Norfolk Tides game or checking the box score, keep an eye out for number 38. He may be a Triple-A player now, but everything about his trajectory says he’s aiming even higher.

And when that call does come — whether it’s next month or next year — don’t be surprised when he makes the most of it. That’s what TT Bowens does. He takes what he’s given, and then he builds something better.

So now it’s your turn — what do you think of Bowens’ rise? Are you pulling for him to crack the big leagues soon? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — and if you came here from Facebook, hop back to that post and let us know what you think there too. Let’s get some love going for a guy who’s earned every bit of it.