MN Twins Claim Former Star Pitching Prospect
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 with no additions. 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 now out as president of baseball operations, he is the top ranking executive on the baseball side. Just days before players head to Fort Myers for Spring Training, Zoll makes his first roster move in the signing of former first-round pick Jackson Kowar.
#MNTwins claim RHP Jackson Kowar off waivers from Seattle. Kowar was the 33rd overall pick in 2018.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 3, 2026
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.
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 number 33 overall in 2018 out of Florida, the right-handed pitcher made top 100 prospect lists in both 2020, and 2021. He was expected have a quick ascension to the Bigs, 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.
— Talkin’ Mariners Baseball 🔱 (@Tru2theTrident) May 29, 2025
If all goes well he could be in the back of the bullpen mix. pic.twitter.com/DYRl1JVbEy
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 as his main off-speed offering.
It should be expected that Kowar will compete for a bullpen spot with the Minnesota Twins. If he makes the team, he’ll again line up with high school teammate Bailey Ober.
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