Report: Josh Winckowski returns to Blue Jays on two-year, minor-league deal

"According to MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams, the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a two-year, minor-league deal with injured right-hander Josh Winckowski on Wednesday, reuniting the 27-year-old with the organization that drafted him in the 15th round nearly 10 years ago. Winckowski, who was non-tendered by the Boston Red Sox prior to last month's deadline, only pitched 11.2 innings last season due to a right flexor strain and had a brace inserted in his elbow earlier this month to repair the injury."

"Once healthy, the Blue Jays plan to stretch Winckowski - who last pitched on May 11 at triple-A - out as a starter, per Adams' report. Most of his major league career has been spent as a multi-inning reliever, except for his rookie campaign in 2022, when all but one of his 15 appearances were as a starting pitcher. But he's also routinely made starts at triple-A over the years."

"The 6-foot-4, 215-pound righty enjoyed a career year with the Red Sox's bullpen in 2023, pitching to an impressive 2.88 ERA and 3.91 FIP over 60 appearances (84.1 innings), recording a 13.9 per cent strikeout-minus-walk rate. He features five pitches, headlined by his mid-90s sinker, which is accompanied by a four-seamer, cutter, slider and changeup. Winckowski will feature an additional year of club control in 2028 if he remains on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster through the '27 season."

The Toronto Blue Jays signed Josh Winckowski to a two-year minor-league contract, reuniting him with the organization that drafted him. Winckowski underwent a brace insertion to repair a right flexor strain and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season while aiming to resume pitching off a mound before year-end. The Blue Jays intend to stretch Winckowski out as a starter once healthy. Most of his major-league work has come as a multi-inning reliever, though his 2022 rookie campaign featured mostly starts. He posted a 2.88 ERA and 3.91 FIP in 2023 and throws five pitches led by a mid-90s sinker. He would gain an extra year of club control in 2028 if retained on the 40-man roster through 2027.

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