Orioles Outright Jackson Kowar to Triple-A Norfolk After Clearing Waivers

Jackson Kowar posted a 2.57 ERA across 14 Triple-A innings last season. Baltimore decided that was not enough to hold a 40-man roster spot heading into 2026.

The Orioles outrighted Kowar to Triple-A Norfolk on March 26 after the right-hander cleared outright waivers, a move confirmed through MLB transaction feeds as part of the club's post-Opening Day roster adjustments. Kowar was not alone in the transaction; infielder Bryan Ramos also cleared waivers the same day and was assigned to Norfolk alongside him. Neither player drew a claim from another organization, which means both remain Baltimore property while competing at the Triple-A level.

The transaction follows a familiar script around roster cut deadlines. The Orioles needed to finalize their 40-man to set the Opening Day roster, and Kowar was on the outside of that count. Outrighting him, rather than releasing him outright, preserves Baltimore's organizational control without occupying a premium 40-man slot. It is a calculated hedge: the team keeps a pitcher with demonstrated Triple-A competence in the pipeline at no roster cost.

Kowar gave the Orioles something to think about in spring training, logging a six-inning outing in which he allowed three runs, just one earned. That kind of efficiency deepens the case that he profiles as more than rotation filler at Norfolk. The Tides figure to deploy him across multiple roles, whether as a long reliever, a bulk innings option, or rotation depth if someone on the major-league staff goes down. Given his 2025 numbers at the Triple-A level, those are not small asks, and Kowar has already shown he can handle them.

The organizational logic here is straightforward. If Kowar replicates last season's form at Norfolk, Baltimore has a legitimate midseason call-up option at minimal cost. Starting pitching depth is never wasted at the major-league level, and the Orioles would not be outrighting a pitcher with a sub-3.00 Triple-A ERA unless they were confident he would stick around and stay sharp. For Kowar, the outright is not a dead end; it is a reset, a chance to build innings and force Baltimore's hand if the rotation needs shoring up.

The Tides open their season with a tested arm near the top of their staff depth chart, and Baltimore opens theirs with the security of knowing Kowar is a phone call away if an unforeseen need surfaces.