Jackson Kowar Bio
Jackson Alexander Kowar is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Kansas City Royals. Kowar was born and raised in Weddington, North Carolina, where he excelled in high school baseball before attending the University of Florida. In the 2018 MLB Draft, he was selected by the Royals and made his MLB debut in 2021. Kowar has faced challenges in his career, including an injury that led to Tommy John surgery in 2024, but he continues to be an active player.
Early Life and Background
Jackson Kowar was born on October 4, 1996, in Weddington, North Carolina. He attended Charlotte Christian School, where he began his journey in baseball. Kowar became a pitcher on his high school baseball team during his sophomore year, eventually serving as the team’s closer. As a senior, he achieved an impressive 10–1 win-loss record and a remarkable 0.20 earned run average (ERA), striking out 118 batters in 71 innings pitched. Despite being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 40th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft, he chose not to sign and continued to pursue his baseball career.
Kowar committed to play college baseball for Clemson University but later opted to attend the University of Florida after a coaching change. At Florida, he became roommates with future Kansas City Royals teammate Brady Singer. In his freshman year in 2016, Kowar appeared in 12 games, finishing with a 3–0 record, a 3.37 ERA, and 44 strikeouts in 34+2⁄3 innings pitched. His season ended prematurely due to a collapsed lung. In 2017, he had a standout season, posting a 12–1 record and a 4.08 ERA while earning a save in the College World Series championship game, helping clinch Florida’s national title. By 2018, Kowar was named to the All-SEC second team, finishing with a 10–5 record and a 3.04 ERA in 18 starts.
Path to Baseball
Kowar was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, signing for $2.1 million. He made his professional debut that July with the Lexington Legends of the Single-A South Atlantic League, where he had a 3.42 ERA in nine starts. In 2019, he began with the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the High–A Carolina League, earning All-Star honors. After a successful stint, he was promoted to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Double-A Texas League, finishing the season with a 3.51 ERA and striking out 78 batters over 74+1⁄3 innings.
Kowar did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training at the Royals’ alternate site. He began the 2021 season with the Omaha Storm Chasers of the Triple-A East league, achieving a 5–0 record and a 0.85 ERA before making his MLB debut on June 7, 2021, against the Los Angeles Angels. Although his debut was challenging, he was awarded the Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year award for being the franchise’s best minor league pitcher.
Jackson Kowar Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Kowar’s rookie season in 2021 was marked by struggles, as he posted a 0–6 record and an 11.27 ERA in 9 appearances. In 2022, he continued to face challenges, finishing with a 4–10 record and a 6.16 ERA in Omaha while also struggling in Kansas City. In 2023, Kowar began the season in Omaha and was called up to the Royals multiple times, ultimately posting a 6.43 ERA in 23 relief appearances.
Breakthrough (2024)
Kowar’s career took a significant turn in 2024 when he was traded to the Atlanta Braves and subsequently to the Seattle Mariners. Unfortunately, he suffered a tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament, requiring Tommy John surgery, which ended his season. This injury marked the first time he was placed on the injured list in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kowar has faced ups and downs, but he remains a dedicated player. His notable achievements include being named the Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year and clinching a national title with the University of Florida. Kowar’s journey reflects resilience and determination as he continues to work towards a successful career in Major League Baseball.
Jackson Kowar Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jackson Kowar has received recognition for his performances, including the Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year award from the Kansas City Royals.
Jackson Kowar Awards Won
Jackson Kowar has won the Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year award, recognizing him as the best minor league pitcher in the Royals organization.
Jackson Kowar Family
Jackson Kowar is married to Caroline Kowar (née Kerns), whom he wed in 2024. His father, Frank Kowar, was a minor league pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1990.
Personal Life
Kowar’s personal life includes his marriage to Caroline Kowar. He has a family background in baseball, with his father having played professionally, which has likely influenced his career path.
