Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
Just days ago the Minnesota Twins traded Edouard Julien and Pierson Ohl to the Colorado Rockies. Ohl was designated for assignment, and Julien didn’t have a clear path to playing time.
Notably though, the Twins left an open spot on the 40 man roster by removing two players. It didn’t take long for them to utilize it, and Jackson Kowar becomes the first move of the Jeremy Zoll (without Derek Falvey oversight) era.
Jackson Kowar claimed by Minnesota Twins
Jeremy Zoll had been operating as the Minnesota Twins general manager, but with Derek Falvey out as president of baseball operations, he now is the top ranking executive on the baseball side. Just days before players head to Fort Myers for Spring Training, Zoll has made his first addition.
#MNTwins claim RHP Jackson Kowar off waivers from Seattle. Kowar was the 33rd overall pick in 2018.
Throws fastball/slider/change.
Posted a 4.24 ERA in 17 IP last year and reduced walk rate, but has an 8.21 ERA in 91 career innings.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 3, 2026
Kowar spent last season pitching for the Seattle Mariners. In 17 innings he posted a 4.24 ERA (5.84 FIP) with 15 strikeouts and seven walks. Across 91 big league innings, Kowar has made 54 appearances (eight starts) and owns an 8.21 ERA (5.96 FIP).
Minnesota wound up swapping talents as Kowar was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners after they acquired Jhonny Pereda (who was also DFA’d) from the Twins.
Drafted 33rd overall in 2018 out of Florida, the right-handed pitcher made top 100 prospect lists in both 2020 and 2021. He was expected to be a quick riser, but missed time on the farm due to injuries. In 2024 he did not pitch after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Great ‘welcome back’ moment for #Mariners pitcher Jackson Kowar earning his first ML strikeout since 2023.
If all goes well he could be in the back of the bullpen mix. pic.twitter.com/DYRl1JVbEy
— Talkin’ Mariners Baseball 🔱 (@Tru2theTrident) May 29, 2025
Last season Kowar dealt with a shoulder injury, but threw some of the most effective innings of his career. His 97.3 mph fastball velocity was the highest of his career in 2025, and he turned to the pitch nearly 60% of the time. Kowar used to rely heavily on his changeup with the Kansas City Royals, but turned more to his slider last season.
It should be expected that Kowar will compete for a bullpen spot with Minnesota. If he makes the team, he’ll again line up with high school teammate Bailey Ober.
Mentioned in this article: Jackson Kowar
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