Orioles Bolster Bullpen with Jackson Kowar Acquisition

The Orioles moved quickly on Saturday to acquire Jackson Kowar from the Twins in exchange for cash considerations, aiming to add experience and arm depth to their relief corps. Kowar, 29, has pitched in parts of four MLB seasons with Kansas City and Seattle, navigating both injuries and inconsistent results. Baltimore hopes he can provide high-leverage innings while complementing a bullpen that already features a mix of emerging talent and veteran arms.

Kowar’s path to Baltimore has been winding. He was designated for assignment by Minnesota on Thursday after joining the organization via waivers from Seattle on February 3. Last season with the Mariners, he made 15 relief appearances, logging 17 innings with a 4.24 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 21.1% strikeout rate. Advanced metrics, however, painted a tougher picture, including a 5.15 expected ERA and 5.84 FIP, highlighting inconsistency despite a fastball that Statcast clocked in the 90th percentile in velocity.

The right-hander relies primarily on his fastball, which he threw 57.7% of the time, and supplements it with a mid-80s slider that generated a 39.1% strikeout rate last season. Despite flashes of effectiveness, opponents slugged .476 against his fastball, and his slider carried a minus-1 run value. Analysts view Kowar as a high-risk, high-reward option whose success will hinge on command and the ability to rebound from prior injuries.

Baltimore’s acquisition also prompted roster adjustments. To make room, the team placed right-handed reliever Colin Selby on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Selby, who joined the Orioles in July 2024, pitched 18 innings with the team, posting a 3.21 ERA last season. Both Selby and Kowar are out of minor league options, which means future roster decisions could involve exposing one of them to waivers.

1. Kowar’s Career and Performance Trends

Selected 33rd overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, Kowar signed for $2.1 million and made his MLB debut in 2021. His first stint was rough—he posted an 11.27 ERA over nine appearances, including eight starts. Over 54 career appearances (eight starts) across Kansas City and Seattle, he has compiled a 91-inning sample with an 8.21 ERA, a 20.3% strikeout rate, and 19 home runs allowed, illustrating both durability and consistency challenges. In 2023, Kowar appeared in 23 relief outings for the Royals, recording a 6.43 ERA. Injuries have also played a significant role in shaping his career trajectory. He underwent Tommy John surgery on March 10, 2024, following a torn ulnar collateral ligament, and later missed the final six weeks of the 2025 season due to a shoulder impingement. These setbacks have limited his innings but also provided opportunities to refine his mechanics and pitch mix. Advanced metrics offer a mixed outlook for Kowar. While his fastball ranks among the league’s hardest, opponents have been able to capitalize against it at times. His mid-80s slider shows promise with a high strikeout rate, though inconsistent command has occasionally undermined overall effectiveness. Analysts note that if Kowar can maintain control and leverage his velocity, he could serve as a solid depth piece for Baltimore’s bullpen. Baltimore’s front office appears to be betting on that potential, envisioning Kowar as a middle-inning or matchup specialist. The Orioles’ coaching staff will likely focus on pitch sequencing and usage patterns to maximize his strengths while limiting exposure to situations that historically led to high run totals.

2. Roster Implications for Baltimore

Kowar’s addition has immediate implications for the Orioles’ roster construction. To accommodate him, Baltimore placed Colin Selby on the 60-day injured list. Selby, who has performed admirably in limited innings with a 3.21 ERA, provides a versatile option when healthy. His sinker, slider, and knuckle curve each grade slightly above average in run value, making him a valuable long-term asset once recovered. Both Kowar and Selby are out of minor league options, which complicates roster flexibility. Any future decision to send either pitcher to the minors would require passing them through waivers, introducing risk that another team could claim them. This limitation forces the Orioles to carefully balance immediate bullpen needs with long-term roster management. The move signals Baltimore’s commitment to building a deeper, more versatile bullpen. With Kowar’s arm and Selby’s potential recovery, the Orioles can better navigate high-leverage situations, preserve the health of their top relievers, and adapt to the inevitable demands of a full MLB season. Front-office strategists emphasize that these acquisitions are part of a broader plan to maintain competitive depth while mitigating injury risks. By proactively adding experienced pitchers, Baltimore hopes to avoid midseason shortages that have challenged other teams in recent years.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

As spring training approaches, Kowar will compete for a role that may range from middle relief to occasional high-leverage innings. The Orioles’ coaching staff will closely monitor his velocity, command, and effectiveness against both left- and right-handed hitters. His performance early in camp could shape bullpen hierarchy and determine how often he is called upon in critical situations. Selby’s timeline remains an important factor as well. If he returns to full health, Baltimore may have one of the deeper and more flexible bullpens in the league, combining high-upside arms with dependable veterans. This could provide a strategic advantage in close games and late-inning matchups. The Orioles’ front office will likely continue exploring additional bullpen enhancements, either via free agency or minor trades. Kowar’s acquisition demonstrates the team’s willingness to invest in pitchers with the potential to rebound while keeping long-term flexibility in mind. Ultimately, the 2026 bullpen picture will be defined by performance, health, and adaptability. Kowar offers both promise and risk, and how he and Selby integrate into the Orioles’ pitching staff could influence the team’s success in tight games throughout the season.