Full Breakdown
Baltimore Orioles Acquire Jackson Kowar from Minnesota Twins
2/15/2026, 9:52:03 PM
Acquisition Details and Player Background
On February 14, 2026, the Baltimore Orioles announced the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Jackson Kowar from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. Kowar, 29, was designated for assignment by the Twins just days prior, following their acquisition of left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marks Kowar's third trade within a short span, having been claimed off waivers by Minnesota from the Seattle Mariners earlier in February.
Kowar was originally drafted 33rd overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2018 MLB Draft. Over his career, he has struggled at the major league level, posting an 8.21 ERA across 54 appearances, including a 4.24 ERA in 15 games for the Mariners last season. His performance has been characterized by a high walk rate of 13.1% and a tendency to allow home runs, averaging 1.88 HR/9 innings.
Impact on the Orioles' Bullpen
The addition of Kowar is seen as a low-risk move to bolster the Orioles' bullpen, which has undergone significant changes this offseason. Kowar joins a revamped relief corps that includes new closer Ryan Helsley and returning pitchers such as Yennier Cano and Keegan Akin. With Kowar's fastball velocity ranking in the 90th percentile according to Statcast, he is expected to compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training, primarily in low-leverage situations.
To accommodate Kowar on the 40-man roster, the Orioles placed right-hander Colin Selby on the 60-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. Selby, who was acquired from Kansas City in July 2024, had a 4.24 ERA in 14 innings last season.
Performance Metrics and Future Outlook
Kowar's recent statistics indicate potential for improvement. In 2025, he achieved a 4.24 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and a 21.1% strikeout rate. However, advanced analytics suggest a less favorable outlook, with an expected ERA of 5.15 and a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 5.84. His fastball, which he relies on nearly 60% of the time, has been effective in generating strikeouts, but opponents have had success against it, slugging .476.
The Orioles' decision to acquire Kowar reflects their ongoing efforts to enhance their pitching staff, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming season. If Kowar can harness his potential and improve his performance, he could provide valuable depth to a team looking to compete in a challenging division.
Official Statements & Responses
The Orioles expressed optimism about Kowar's potential impact on the team. The official team announcement highlighted Kowar's pedigree as a former first-round pick and his recent performance improvements. The organization views this acquisition as an opportunity to add depth to their bullpen while managing the roster effectively.
Criticism & Opposition
While the trade has been generally viewed as a low-risk move, some analysts have raised concerns about Kowar's inconsistent performance and injury history. Critics argue that relying on a player with such a high ERA and past struggles may not significantly strengthen the Orioles' bullpen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The 29-year-old represents a low-risk, high-upside depth move to solidify bullpen depth.” — Baltimore Orioles Official Announcement
- “If Kowar lives up to his former top prospect pedigree at long last this year, it will be a nice heist for a Baltimore team that could get a big lift in the standings with an improved bullpen.” — Sports Analyst Commentary
