MLB Spring Training is all about proving you can play with the best, and the Arizona Diamondbacks gave a hopeful pitcher the opportunity to do just that.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Diamondbacks signed right-handed pitcher Josh Winder to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training on Thursday.
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The @Dbacks have signed RHP Josh Winder to a Minor League Free Agent contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training! pic.twitter.com/UokXazIqZv
— Reno Aces (@Aces) January 23, 2025
Winder takes his shot with the Diamondbacks after failing to make his mark as a Minnesota Twin.
The righty was drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 draft with 214th overall pick by Minnesota. After spending three seasons with the Twins’ minor league affiliates — including 2020, which saw the minor league season cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic — Winder finally made his MLB debut, making the Twins’ roster in 2022.
Making the team would be as good as it got for the 6’5″ pitcher once he stepped into the big leagues.
Winder opted into free agency this year after being designated directly to Minnesota’s Triple-A team, the St. Paul Saints. He only appeared in four games for the Twins in 2024 after getting a late jump on the season due to a right scapula stress fracture from the 2023 season.
Prior to his non-existent 2024 campaign, Winder appeared in 15 games his rookie year, making 11 starts. He threw 47 strikeouts over the course of 67 innings, recording a 4.70 ERA. Minnesota dropped him to a relief pitcher the ensuing season. His 4.15 ERA across 19 appearances was the result of 28 strikeouts and save in less than 35 innings in 2023.
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Reporter Jordyn Bennett covers the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State, Phoenix area sports and sports related topics. You can follow him on his X account, @j_bennett_live
