| Josh Winckowski | |
|---|---|
| Boston Red Sox – No. 25 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1998-06-28)June 28, 1998 (age 26) Toledo, Ohio, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 28, 2022, for the Boston Red Sox | |
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 13–13 |
| Earned run average | 4.21 |
| Strikeouts | 186 |
| Teams | |
| |
Joshua Winckowski (born June 28, 1998) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher for theBoston Red Sox ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). Listed at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 202 pounds (92 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.
Winckowski is fromToledo, Ohio. He attendedToledo Mud Hens games atFifth Third Field as a child, but moved to Florida for high school.[1] Winckowski attendedEstero High School inEstero, Florida.[2] TheToronto Blue Jays selected him in the 15th round of the2016 MLB draft.[2][3] Winckowski played in the Blue Jays'farm system from 2016 through 2019, reaching theClass A-Advanced level with theDunedin Blue Jays.[4] In four seasons with the Toronto organization, Winckowski made 54 appearances (50 starts), compiling an 18–17win–loss record with a 3.35earned run average (ERA).[4]
On January 27, 2021, Winckowski was traded to theNew York Mets alongsideYennsy Díaz andSean Reid-Foley in exchange forSteven Matz.[5] On February 10, 2021, Winckowski was traded to theBoston Red Sox withFranchy Cordero and threeplayers to be named later in a three-team trade, where theKansas City Royals acquiredAndrew Benintendi and the Mets receivedKhalil Lee.[6] Winckowski began the 2021 season inDouble-A with thePortland Sea Dogs and was promoted late in the season to theTriple-AWorcester Red Sox.[4] Overall with both teams, he appeared in 23 games (22 starts), compiling a 3.94 ERA and 9–4 record while striking out 101 batters in 112 innings.[4] After the regular season, Winckowski was selected to play for theScottsdale Scorpions of theArizona Fall League.[7] On November 19, in advance of theRule 5 draft, the Red Sox added Winckowski to their 40-man roster.[8][9]
Winckowski began the 2022 season with Worcester.[10] The Red Sox activated him on May 28 to start the second game of adoubleheader against theBaltimore Orioles atFenway Park.[11] Winckowski allowed four runs on six hits in three innings, taking the loss.[12] He was returned to Worcester the following day.[13] Winckowski was next recalled for a start on June 15,[14] and registered his first MLB win after pitching five scoreless innings in a 10–1 victory over theOakland Athletics at Fenway.[15] Winckowski remained in the starting rotation until being placed on the COVID-related list on July 14;[16] he rejoined the team on July 26.[17] Through the remainder of the season, he split time between Worcester and Boston.[18][19][20] In 15 games (14 starts) with Boston, Winckowski posted a 5–7 record with 5.89 ERA while striking out 44 batters in70+1⁄3 innings.[21]
For the 2023 season, Winckowski appeared in 60 Red Sox games (one start) and posted a 4–4 record with threesaves and a 2.88 ERA while striking out 82 batters in84+1⁄3 innings.[21] Winckowski opened the 2024 season as a member of Boston's bullpen, until being optioned to Worcester on May 12; at the time, he had a 3.33 ERA in24+1⁄3 innings.[22]
Winckowski was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to begin the 2025 season.[23]