Jackson Kowar

File:Jackson Kowar.jpg in 2018|alt=Jackson Kowar pitching for the Florida Gators baseball team in 2018]]

Kowar was born and raised in Weddington, North Carolina. He attended Charlotte Christian School in Charlotte, North Carolina.{{cite web |title=Charlotte Christian's Jackson Kowar proves his dominance |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article10455341.html |access-date=March 25, 2018 |publisher=The Charlotte Observer}} He became a pitcher on his high school baseball team his sophomore year, serving as the team's closer.{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Alec |title=With every adjustment he makes, Royals prospect Jackson Kowar raises his ceiling |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1658096/2020/03/06/how-royals-prospect-jackson-kowar-continues-to-rise-above-his-own-ceiling/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |work=The Athletic |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} As a senior, he compiled a 10–1 win–loss record and 0.20 earned run average (ERA) with 118 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 40th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft but did not sign with the Tigers.{{Cite web |title=Jackson Kowar - Baseball |url=https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-kowar/10710 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Florida Gators |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=40th Round of the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?year_ID=2015&draft_round=40&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

Kowar committed to play college baseball for Clemson University as a high school sophomore but was granted his release following a coaching change.{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=Rob |date=July 6, 2017 |title=Improbable journey to title for Kowar |url=http://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/improbable-journey-to-title-for-kowar/454771197 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326064715/http://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/improbable-journey-to-title-for-kowar/454771197 |archive-date=March 26, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=WCNC |publisher=}} He instead chose to attend the University of Florida.{{cite web |last=Marlowe |first=Kady |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Pitcher Jackson Kowar Looks Ahead to 2017 Florida Baseball |url=http://www.wruf.com/headlines/2016/10/20/right-handed-pitcher-jackson-kowar-previews-2017-florida-baseball/ |access-date=March 24, 2018 |website=WRUF (AM)}} He was roommates with future Royals teammate Brady Singer. As a freshman in 2016 for the Gators, Kowar appeared in 12 games, with a 3–0 record, 3.37 ERA , and 44 strikeouts in {{fraction|34|2|3}} innings pitched. His season ended in May due to a collapsed lung.{{cite web |last=Andreu |first=Robbie |date=May 5, 2016 |title=Medical condition sidelines UF pitcher |url=http://www.gainesville.com/sports/20160505/medical-condition-sidelines-uf-pitcher |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218121942/https://www.gainesville.com/story/sports/college/baseball/2016/05/05/medical-condition-sidelines-uf-pitcher/30895796007/ |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2018 |publisher=The Gainesville Sun}}{{cite web |last=Boone |first=Ray |date=June 1, 2017 |title=Florida Gators baseball copes with injuries ahead of Gainesville Regional |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-gators/swamp-things-blog/os-sp-gators-baseball-0601-story.html |access-date=March 28, 2018 |publisher=Orlando Sentinel}} In 2017, he went 12–1, tying Florida's best single-season record in school history, along with posting a 4.08 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 19 games.{{cite web |title=Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar carry weight of MLB draft projections and Gators' own lofty expectations into season |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/college/brady-singer-jackson-kowar-carry-weight-mlb-draft-projections-and-gators-own-lofty-expectations-into-season/FKl7jrWULKH0rtkgixFkqL/ |access-date=May 5, 2018 |website=AJC.com}} Kowar earned the save in the College World Series championship game, pitching {{fraction|1|2|3}} scoreless innings in his only relief appearance on the season, clinching Florida's 2017 national title.{{cite web |title=Gutty decision to go to Kowar helped save CWS win |url=http://www.gainesville.com/sports/20170628/gutty-decision-to-go-to-kowar-helped-save-cws-win |access-date=March 28, 2018 |publisher=The Gainesville Sun}} In 2018, as a junior, Kowar was named to the All-SEC second team.{{cite web |title=Shewmake, Helman make cut as 2018 SEC Baseball Awards Announced |url=http://www.kbtx.com/content/sports/2018-SEC-Baseball-Awards-Announced-483239991.html |access-date=May 31, 2018 |publisher=kbtx.com}} He had a 10–5 record and a 3.04 ERA in 18 starts.{{cite web |author= |date=July 2, 2018 |title=Royals sign 33rd overall pick Jackson Kowar |url=https://www.foxsports.com/kansas-city/story/kansas-city-royals-sign-33rd-overall-pick-jackson-kowar-070218 |accessdate=June 7, 2021 |work=FOX Sports}}

Kowar was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, and he signed for $2.1 million.{{cite web |title=MLB Draft: Florida Gators' Jackson Kowar drafted by Royals |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-florida/article212281429.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180609161651/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-florida/article212281429.html |archive-date=2018-06-09 |website=Miami Herald}}{{Cite web |title=1st Round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?year_ID=2018&draft_round=1&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He made his professional debut that July with the Lexington Legends of the Single-A South Atlantic League.{{Cite news |last=Schiffer |first=Alex |date=July 13, 2018 |title=After pro debut, Royals’ Jackson Kowar welcomes expectations |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article214871730.html |url-access=subscription |work=Kansas City Star}}{{Cite web |title=Jackson Kowar 2018 College & Minor Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kowar-000jac&type=pgl&year=2018 |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} In nine starts, he went 0–1 with a 3.42 ERA.{{cite web |title=Jackson Kowar Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats |url=https://www.milb.com/player/jackson-kowar-663804 |access-date=December 28, 2018 |website=Minor League Baseball}} He began 2019 with the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the High–A Carolina League, with whom he was named an All-Star.{{cite web |last=Janus |first=Matt |date=June 11, 2019 |title=Six Blue Rocks Named Carolina League All Stars |url=https://www.milb.com/wilmington/news/six-blue-rocks-named-carolina-league-all-stars-307963660 |access-date=June 7, 2021 |publisher=Minor League Baseball}} After pitching to a 5–3 record and 3.53 ERA in 13 starts, he was promoted to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Double-A Texas League in June,{{cite web |author= |date= |title=Royals' Jackson Kowar: Moves up to Double-A |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jackson-kowar-moves-up-to-double-a/ |accessdate=June 7, 2021 |publisher=CBSSports.com |agency=RotoWire}} where he finished the season. Over 13 starts with the Naturals, he went 2–7 with a 3.51 ERA, striking out 78 over {{fraction|74|1|3}} innings.{{cite web |author= |date= |title=Royals' Jackson Kowar: To attend big-league camp |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jackson-kowar-to-attend-big-league-camp/ |accessdate=June 7, 2021 |publisher=CBSSports.com |agency=RotoWire}}

Kowar did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |author=Todd |first=Jeff |date=June 30, 2020 |title=2020 Minor League Season Canceled |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/06/2020-minor-league-season-will-be-canceled.html |accessdate=June 7, 2021 |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors}} He trained at the team's alternate site during the abbreviated MLB season.{{Cite web |title=Royals prospect report from alternate site |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/royals-alternate-site-report?msockid=01a557e631a763011e7e44b130e462c9 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} Kowar began the 2021 season with the Omaha Storm Chasers of the Triple-A East league.{{cite web |date= |title=Royals set 2021 Minor League rosters |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/royals-set-2021-minor-league-rosters |accessdate=June 7, 2021 |work=MLB.com}} In six games to begin the year, Kowar had a 5–0 record and 0.85 ERA with 41 strikeouts in {{fraction|31|1|3}} innings pitched.{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2021 |title=Kowar Gets the Call: Storm Chasers ace called up by Kansas City |url=https://www.ketv.com/amp/article/kowar-gets-the-call-storm-chasers-ace-called-up-by-kansas-city/36652345 |website=KETV}}

On June 6, 2021, the Royals announced Kowar would be promoted to the major leagues to be the starting pitcher the following day against the Los Angeles Angels.{{cite web |author=Franco |first=Anthony |date=June 6, 2021 |title=Royals To Select Jackson Kowar |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/royals-to-select-jackson-kowar.html |accessdate=June 7, 2021 |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors}} He was officially selected to the active roster on June 7.{{cite web |author=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=June 7, 2021 |title=Royals Designate Jake Newberry For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/royals-designate-jake-newberry-for-assignment.html |accessdate=June 7, 2021 |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors}} In his debut, Kowar gave up four earned runs, allowed three hits, walked two batters, and threw three wild pitches before he was removed from the game in the first inning, getting only two outs.{{Cite news |last=Worthy |first=Lynn |date=June 7, 2021 |title=Jackson Kowar can’t make it through the first inning of his Kansas City Royals debut |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article251965913.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614022408/https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article251965913.html |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |work=Kansas City Star}} In 9 appearances (8 starts) during his rookie campaign, Kowar posted a ghastly 0–6 record and 11.27 ERA with 29 strikeouts in {{Fraction|30|1|3}} innings pitched. He received the Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year award from the Royals, given to the franchise's best minor league pitcher.{{Cite web |title=Royals name Players, Pitchers of the Year for Minor League affiliates |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-royals-name-minor-league-players-pitchers-of-the-year |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

File:Jackson_Kowar_Omaha_2022_(cropped).jpg in 2022]]

In 2022, Kowar struggled in both Omaha and Kansas City. Starting 20 games for the Storm Chasers, he worked to a 4–10 record and 6.16 ERA with 88 strikeouts in {{Fraction|83|1|3}} innings pitched. He limped to a 9.77 ERA with 17 strikeouts in {{Fraction|15|2|3}} innings of work across 7 relief appearances for the Royals.{{Cite web |title=Jackson Kowar College & Minor Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kowar-000jac |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

Kowar began the 2023 season in Omaha and was called up to the Royals four times, sticking with the team after being recalled on August 17.{{Cite web |title=Royals' Jackson Kowar: Optioned out to Triple-A |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-jackson-kowar-optioned-out-to-triple-a/ |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=cbssports.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Jackson Kowar Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jackson-kowar-663804 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} In 23 appearances relief for Kansas City, Kowar struggled to a 6.43 ERA with 29 strikeouts across 28 innings of work.

Kowar was traded twice during the 2023 offseason, then was off the field for the 2024 season. On November 17, 2023, the Royals traded Kowar to the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Kyle Wright.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |date=November 17, 2023 |title=Braves send Wright to Royals for reliever Kowar |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-wright-traded-to-royals-by-braves-for-jackson-kowar |access-date=November 18, 2023 |publisher=MLB.com}} On December 3, he was traded with Cole Phillips by Atlanta to the Seattle Mariners for Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales, and Evan White.{{cite news |last1=DeRosa |first1=Theo |date=December 3, 2023 |title=Braves get Kelenic, Gonzales, White for 2 RHPs |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/jarred-kelenic-braves-trade |access-date=December 4, 2023 |publisher=MLB.com}}

On March 10, 2024, the Mariners announced Kowar had a tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament, requiring Tommy John surgery and ending his season.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=2024-03-10 |title=Mariners' Jackson Kowar To Undergo Tommy John Surgery |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/mariners-jackson-kowar-to-undergo-tommy-john-surgery.html |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} It was Kowar's first time on the injured list.{{Cite web |title=Jackson Kowar Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jackson-kowar-663804 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} He was placed back on the 60-day injured list before the start of the 2025 season.{{Cite web |title=Mariners Claim Seth Martinez |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/mariners-claim-seth-martinez.html |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}}

Kowar married Caroline Kowar (née Kerns) in 2024.{{Cite Instagram |postid=DDC-Bmhvl3w |user=halls.signatureevents |title=Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Jackson Kowar. It was a true honor to host this beautiful couple for their amazing wedding day reception brunch. May you both have a life filled with happiness and love. 💕 |author=Halls Signature Events |date=December 1, 2024}}{{Cite Instagram |postid=DGJ5BnQSQmi |user=jacksonkowar |title=Caroline Kowar🖤 |first=Jackson |last=Kowar |date=February 17, 2025}}{{Cite Instagram |postid=C1Pv1cFpaEZ |user=carolinekerns |title=future husband 🤍 @jacksonkowar |first=Caroline |last=Kerns |date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=2024-12-10}}

Kowar's father, Frank Kowar, was a minor league pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1990.{{cite web |last=McGinn |first=Ryan |date=June 19, 2018 |title=A Florida Baseball Father's Support Never Stops |url=https://www.wruf.com/headlines/2018/06/19/the-lasting-impact-of-florida-baseball-fathers/ |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=WRUF (AM)}}{{Cite web |title=Frank Kowar Minor Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kowar-001fra |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

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Category:1996 births

Category:Living people

Category:Baseball players from Charlotte, North Carolina

Category:Baseball players from Union County, North Carolina

Category:Charlotte Christian School alumni

Category:Florida Gators baseball players

Category:Kansas City Royals players

Category:Lexington Legends players

Category:Major League Baseball pitchers

Category:Northwest Arkansas Naturals players

Category:Omaha Storm Chasers players

Category:People from Weddington, North Carolina

Category:Wilmington Blue Rocks players