Just as Spring Training kicks off, the Baltimore Orioles are making waves to ensure their bullpen is battle-ready for 2026. In a move that could quietly pay huge dividends, the O’s have added right-handed pitcher, a power-armed hurler with a blazing fastball and a high-upside slider, giving fans a reason to get excited about a bullpen that already boasts new closer Ryan Helsley. This is the kind of under-the-radar move that could turn heads when the season starts.
Baltimore announced the acquisition of veteran star from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. The 29-year-old RHP was designated for assignment by Minnesota on Thursday after the team acquired left-hander Anthony Banda from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier this month, the Twins had claimed him off waivers from Seattle.
Kowar, who posted a 4.24 ERA in 15 relief outings for the Mariners last season, previously pitched for the Royals from 2021-2023.
The 29-year-old RHP was initially drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 40th round of the 2015 MLB Draft but did not sign. He re-entered the draft in 2018 and was selected in the first round by the Kansas City Royals, where he spent three seasons and recorded a 9.12 ERA and 2.10 WHIP over 74 relief innings.
Kowar was traded to the Atlanta Braves in November 2023 for Kyle Wright, and shortly after was moved to the Seattle Mariners in a package deal that sent Jarred Kelenic, Evan White, and Marco Gonzales to Atlanta. His 2024 season was cut short when he underwent Tommy John surgery in March. He returned in May 2025, posting a 4.24 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 15 appearances, with a 21.1% strikeout rate before being shut down late in the season due to a right shoulder impingement. Seattle designated him for assignment on January 27.
Kowar joins an Orioles bullpen that now features new closer Ryan Helsley and returning arms Yennier Cano, Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, Rico Garcia, and Tyler Wells. Andrew Kittredge was also added back to the pen earlier this offseason, giving Baltimore a deeper back-end.
The 29-year-old represents a low-risk, high-upside addition. According to Statcast, his fastball ranks in the 90th percentile and makes up nearly 60% of his pitches. He also has a slider that accounts for roughly 40% of his strikeouts.
To make room on the roster, the Orioles placed RHP Colin Selby on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Selby, acquired from Kansas City in July 2024, appeared in 11 games last season and posted a 4.24 ERA over 14 innings.
Kowar has under three years of MLB service time and is out of options, meaning the Orioles would have to pass him through waivers if he does not make the team out of Spring Training.