Kansas City Royals: Five prospects who can help team in 2020
By Cody Rickman
Jackson Kowar – RHP Starting Pitcher
(6’5”, 23-years-old (in October), drafted in 2018 out of the University of Florida)
- 2019 Stats (2 levels – A+ Wilmington and AA Northwest Arkansas)
- 3.52 ERA, 1.240 WHIP, 144 Ks, 43 BBs, 12 HRs allowed in 148.1 Innings
Teammates with Singer at the University of Florida, Jackson Kowar completed a strong #1 and #2 headlining starting staff at Florida. Kowar utilizes a strong, but sometimes inconsistent pitching arsenal of a plus fastball (typically 94 mph, tops out at 98 mph), an above average curveball, and a plus change-up (84 mph).
When Kowar is on top of his game his change-up looks plus-plus with impressive drop and fade. Watching video of Kowar shows he has a fluid wind-up, but sometimes rushes his arm through causing issues with command. His 3/4 release makes him a tough match-up against right handed hitters and his plus change-up makes him effective against left-handed hitters.
Expectations – Kowar has an inconsistent, but dominant change-up paired with plus fastball. If Kowar can find some consistency, he could fly up to the major league roster after a half season’s worth of starts in the minors.
Kowar should start back at AA Northwest Arkansas and move up to AAA shortly after if he continues his success at the level. If everything goes right for Kowar in 2020, the Royals could make a 40-man roster move in Spring Training and he starts on the Royals roster progressing towards his ceiling of being a #3 type starting pitcher.