Newest Mariners pitcher shares view of organization that may surprise fans

When Jackson Kowar took the mound for the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, it marked more than just a return to the majors — it was a personal and professional resurrection.

Called up amid a roster shuffle that saw Logan Evans optioned back to Triple-A Tacoma with Bryce Miller preparing to return to the rotation, Kowar made his debut in a tough 9-0 blowout loss to the Washington Nationals. But for Kowar, it was still a personal triumph.

He threw a clean inning, giving up just one hit while striking out a batter in his first MLB appearance since 2023. For a pitcher who spent the entirety of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, that one inning symbolized so much more. Grit, resilience, and a second chance.

Kowar arrived in Seattle after being traded twice in a short span: from the Kansas City Royals to the Atlanta Braves in November 2023, then from Atlanta to the Mariners a month later. For some, that kind of movement could shake confidence. For Kowar, it sparked something else entirely.

Jackson Kowar’s refreshing take on Mariners culture should make fans proud

“It gives you a lot of confidence to get traded here,” Kowar told Kate Preusser of Lookout Landing. “Like they see something in you — there must be something there. I got so many positive texts when I got traded here. It’s great.”

Those words, candid and full of optimism, reflect a man who's grown from the turbulence of early career struggles. Once a first-round pick with sky-high expectations in Kansas City, Kowar struggled to find consistency. His ERA had ballooned to 9.12 across 39 career MLB appearances, with a 2–6 record and a WHIP of 2.09. It’s very difficult for pitchers to come back from that.

But Seattle saw something worth salvaging. What stands out most in Kowar’s early days with the Mariners isn’t just his performance on the mound—it’s the way he’s spoken about the team’s culture off of it.

Kowar has described the Mariners as having the most secure and supportive environment he’s experienced in professional baseball. He noted how rare it is to be surrounded by teammates who are both confident in their own abilities and genuinely supportive of one another’s success. In his view, the Mariners have created a safe space where players aren’t driven by fear of losing their spot, but by the belief that everyone has the potential to succeed.

That sense of security is rare in a sport that often pits teammates against each other for innings and opportunities. But it’s central to how the Mariners operate — building confidence not just in talent, but in people.

That’s the Mariners in a nutshell. They’ve turned overlooked prospects into bullpen weapons, and under-the-radar trade acquisitions into All-Star contributors. This isn’t a team built on blockbuster spending — it’s built on belief, culture, and coaching. Kowar’s words offer a rare window into that world, and fans really should take note if they haven’t already.

Make no mistake — this isn’t just a feel-good story built on vibes. Kowar brings the heat. Armed with two fastballs — a four-seamer and a sinker — he’s been clocked at 98.5 mph and sits comfortably in the upper 90s. That kind of raw velocity is the Mariners’ bread and butter, something their pitching development staff thrives on. Refine the mechanics, sharpen the command, pair it with improved secondary pitches, and you’ve got yourself a legitimate major league weapon. It’s a bet on upside. And Seattle is one of the best places in baseball to cash it in.

What makes Kowar stand out is the maturity he’s showing after a few years of humbling experiences. He’s not just trying to prove he belongs; he’s embracing the process, open to growth, and appreciative of his surroundings. Showing self-awareness that can be hard to find in many athletes.

Kowar is the kind of guy you want to root for. Mariners fans may not know much about him yet, but they’re going to love what they see.