Minnesota Twins 2018 MLB Draft first round selection roundtable discussion
By Nate Palmer
Jackson Kowar, RHP, University of Florida
written by John Geiger II
One pitcher the Minnesota Twins should consider if he’s available is Jackson Kowar. Jonathan Mayo currently has the University of Florida right-hander being selected number 19 in his most recent mock draft.
Although that is one spot ahead of where the Twins draft, this is only a mock draft. Let’s be honest, how often are mock draft correct? Exactly. So, that means Kowar is just the type of player that should be there at pick number 20.
MLB Pipelines has Kowar ranked 15 in their top 200 and he will provide great value at the 20th pick. The 6’5″ former Gator has the makings of a solid rotation piece in the future.
Kowar throws his fastball in the mid 90’s and can touch 98 on occasion. His curveball is still a developing pitch and its development will be crucial to his success in the rotation. However, he throws a plus-changeup that will help him get outs at any level.
The Minnesota Twins have some quality arms in the Minor Leagues with pitchers like Stephen Gonsalves and Tyler Jay who should have an impact in MLB soon. However, if a pitcher this talented drops to the Twins position in the draft, there should be no hesitation in drafting him.
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The 21-year-old is also a college Junior and pitchers coming out of college usually reach the Majors faster than high school pitchers. Kowar doesn’t have a “sky’s the limit” ceiling, nor is he a can’t miss prospect. However, he does project to be a solid middle of the rotation type of pitcher at worst. If that doesn’t work out for him, he could develop into a true asset coming out of the bullpen.