Bold truth: the Orioles are expanding their pitching depth by adding a veteran-right option, Jackson Kowar, in a cash-for-asset swap with the Twins. But here’s where it gets controversial: Kowar’s track record isn’t flawless, and this move invites debate about risk versus potential upside for Baltimore.
Summary of the deal: Baltimore acquired right-hander Jackson Kowar from Minnesota in exchange for cash considerations, per MASN’s Roch Kubatko. In a related move, the Orioles placed fellow right-hander Colin Selby on the 60-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. This designation comes as a corresponding roster adjustment tied to Kowar’s addition.
What Kowar brings: Kowar was designated for assignment by the Twins on Thursday after spending most of the season bouncing between Triple-A and the majors. He had recently been claimed off waivers from Seattle, where he spent most of the year moving between the minors and the big leagues. In 15 major-league outings covering 17 innings, Kowar posted a 4.24 ERA, along with a 21.1% strikeout rate and a 9.9% walk rate. His underlying metrics aren’t all rosy: his expected ERA (5.15) and FIP (5.84) point to a higher degree of bad luck or underperformance than the ERA suggests.
Why teams might be interested: Kowar brings fresh arm volume and a longer-track record of MLB exposure, which can be valuable in a midseason context where injuries and bullpen depth matter. In the right environment, a pitcher with his combination of raw stuff and misfortune on batted-ball luck can rebound with improved sequencing, location, or a clearer role.
What this means for the Orioles: The move signals Baltimore’s willingness to experiment with depth pieces who can eat innings and potentially unlock upside through coaching and situational usage. It also reflects the ongoing evaluation process as teams balance immediate help with longer-term development.
What this means for the Twins and Selby: Minnesota parts ways with Kowar while shoring up the 60-day injured list with Selby, creating a clearer path for roster management while Kowar finds a new opportunity to prove himself.
Bottom line: This is a low-cost, high-variance bet from Baltimore—high upside if Kowar can straighten his mechanics, command, and sequencing, but skepticism remains given his recent performance metrics. And this is the part most people miss: the true value of a move like this often shows up later, in how the player adjusts to a new coaching staff and role. Would you like to see Kowar given a dedicated, low-leverage stint to rebuild confidence, or should Baltimore pursue more proven bullpen depth?Share your thoughts in the comments.
