Age: 24 yr
Height: 6-5
Weight: 200 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 Round 1C
RuleV: 2021
Physical Description
Athletic, lanky physique. Long, slender limbs with a slim waist. Athleticism and mobility are superior to the norm. In the lower half, he’s gained some muscle.
Delivery & Mechanics
The rubber begins significantly offset near the 1B edge. At a slow, controlled pace, the winding up process begins. Maintains proper posture while starting internal rotation with a chest-high leg kick.
Although some pulling to the 1B side causes minor timing concerns, it generally uses levers well downhill.
Low-effort delivery that helps to reduce mechanical issues while still providing above-average arm speed from a high-3/4 angle.
With the lower half, there isn’t much expansion, and it can become inefficient. From the stretch, it’s pre-coiled.
Fastball
95-97, with a high of 99. 4-seam and 2-seam constructions are used. Despite the Velo, both play like their usual versions, blending in and being hit regularly when left over the plate.
The 4-seam has good carry, whereas the 2-seam runs a little slower. From there, he likes to use FB variants and tunnel secondaries. Plus, with an increased feel for shaping, there’s a better likelihood of unlocking more. Ratings:60
Curveball
With an 11-5 break and good depth, the score was 76-80. The shape can tighten up and appear slider-like, but the movement is usually snappy and has a decent vertical drop.
With FB, it tunnels well. Since college, my sense of spin has significantly improved. Also demonstrating improved confidence is the willingness to throw to both RHHs and LHHs.
It appears to be a standard breaking ball. Ratings:50
Changeup
Heavy sink and arm-side run in the mid-80s. Pronation has a natural feel about it. It is tough to lift up out of the hand because of the armhole.
I’m not sure how sustainable it is to leave it up over the plate looking for easy strikes/weak contact CH has a double-plus movement profile, but when it’s up, it’s much easier to spot.
Regardless, there’s a whiff potential. To reach a genuine pitch limit, he’ll have to locate a little better. Ratings:60
Control and Command
With all three offerings, he demonstrates an average ability to stay in the zone. At times, he loses his feel for mechanics, but he has enough pitchability to stay competitive.
Likes to get things done quickly by inducing contact, although he’s gotten better at delivering secondaries early in the count. To get there, FB command average and secondary command will have to keep increasing. Ratings:Control: 50 | Command: 45
Overall
Although Kowar has always demonstrated that he has great workhorse stamina and a bulldog mentality, there are doubts about how his stuff will hold up against advanced hitters.
Although Kowar has always demonstrated that he has great workhorse stamina and a bulldog mentality, there are doubts about how his stuff will hold up against advanced hitters. In 2021 ST, he was battered a lot, however, his CB appeared to be improving.
Using the CB’s already strong FB and CH on a regular basis, as well as addressing any small mechanical faults, will go a long way toward future success.
He’s a good athlete and a tough competitor with a chance to join the Kansas City rotation’s back end in the near future.
