Blue Jays Sign Winckowski to Minor League Deal

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Josh Winckowski, a 27-year-old right-hander who spent the past four seasons with the Boston Red Sox, has signed a two-year minor league contract with his original organization, according to reports from MLB Trade Rumors. The deal comes after Winckowski underwent internal brace surgery on his throwing elbow this month, a procedure that typically serves as an alternative to traditional Tommy John surgery and could allow for a faster recovery. Officials expect him to miss most of the 2026 season, with a potential return late that year or in 2027.

Winckowski's move marks a homecoming for the player Toronto drafted 15th overall out of high school in 2016. He progressed through the Blue Jays' minor league system, reaching High-A ball by 2019, before the organization traded him to the New York Mets in January 2021 as part of a package for starter Steven Matz. Just two weeks later, the Mets included him in a three-team deal that sent outfielder Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals, landing Winckowski in Boston.

With the Red Sox, Winckowski made his major league debut in 2022, starting 14 of 15 appearances and posting a 5-7 record with a 5.89 ERA over 70...