Orioles sign RHP Jackson Kowar and INF

Sentiment Analysis

The Orioles' minor league signings of Jackson Kowar and an unnamed infielder have generated the kind of muted response you'd expect from depth moves that barely register on the transaction wire. Media coverage has been sparse, treating these as standard organizational filler rather than moves worth analyzing, which speaks volumes about the perceived upside of bringing aboard a pitcher whose injury history and recent performance struggles make him more reclamation project than meaningful addition. Fans on social media have largely shrugged at the news, viewing it as the type of low-risk roster building that every team does to stock their farm system, though some pointed out that Kowar's former prospect pedigree at least makes him worth a flier. This fits Baltimore's broader approach of casting a wide net for organizational depth while they focus their real resources on more impactful acquisitions, essentially treating 2026 as a development year for fringe talents who might surprise. These signings earn a C- CVI grade because while there's minimal downside to taking chances on cheap talent, the realistic ceiling here is depth pieces who might contribute in a pinch rather than players who move the competitive needle.