February 13, 2021 at 12:54 PM
Scouting Report Update: Josh Winckowski
On Thursday, the Red Sox traded Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals in a three-way trade that also involved the New York Mets. In return, the Red Sox received outfielder Franchy Cordero and two PTBNL from the Royals and RHP Josh Winckowski and a PTBNL from the Mets. For a detailed breakdown of the trade, check out the latest episode of the SoxProspects Podcast. The only prospect we know about so far is Winckowski, who was only just acquired by the Mets in January as part of the Steven Matz trade. Winckowski slots in at 32 in the current SoxProspects Rankings, and it was announced on Friday that he got a Non-Roster Invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Here is our initial report on Winckwoski, compiled from data and reports as well as our scouting sources across the game. Please note that the report will be updated after we have seen him in person.
Physical Description: Tall, sturdy frame. Minimal remaining projection.
Mechanics: Throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot. Delivery is on the stiff side and lacks fluidity. Arm gets out of sync with his delivery and he does not effectively utilize his hips and lower body.
Fastball: 93-96 mph. Tops out at 97 mph. Fastball command is below-average and needs refinement. Pitch lacks movement and does not miss as many bats as you would expect given his velocity. Will also show a sinker. Potential plus-to-better offering with refined command.
Slider: 84-88 mph. Pitch will show hard, late break at its best. Struggles to consistently locate the pitch and get on top of it due to his delivery. Potential average offering.
Changeup: 88-90 mph. On the firm side and lacks separation from his fastball. On occasion, will show good fade. Flashes average potential.
Split-Finger Fastball: Reportedly started throwing at the 2020 Fall Instructional League.
Career Notes: Acquired by the Red Sox from the Mets as a part of the three-team Andrew Benintendi trade in February 2021. Mets acquired him from the Blue Jays in January 2021 as part of a trade for Steven Matz. Originally drafted out of Estero HS (Ohio) in 2016 and signed away from a commitment to Florida Southwestern State. Spent three seasons in short-season and another in Class A, while still being relatively young for his level, as he climbed the ladder. Missed time in 2019 with a finger injury that lingered and impacted his stuff throughout the year. Was left unprotected and went unselected in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft.
Summation: Intriguing arm who needs to work on his arsenal and command. Has the velocity you look for, but still learning how to pitch and harness his stuff. Secondary pitches lag behind and need significant refinement. Slider shows the most potential right now. Fastball/slider combination could profile well in a bullpen role. Needs to refine his arsenal and find a consistent secondary to have a chance to remain in the starting rotation.
Mechanics: Throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot. Delivery is on the stiff side and lacks fluidity. Arm gets out of sync with his delivery and he does not effectively utilize his hips and lower body.
Fastball: 93-96 mph. Tops out at 97 mph. Fastball command is below-average and needs refinement. Pitch lacks movement and does not miss as many bats as you would expect given his velocity. Will also show a sinker. Potential plus-to-better offering with refined command.
Slider: 84-88 mph. Pitch will show hard, late break at its best. Struggles to consistently locate the pitch and get on top of it due to his delivery. Potential average offering.
Changeup: 88-90 mph. On the firm side and lacks separation from his fastball. On occasion, will show good fade. Flashes average potential.
Split-Finger Fastball: Reportedly started throwing at the 2020 Fall Instructional League.
Career Notes: Acquired by the Red Sox from the Mets as a part of the three-team Andrew Benintendi trade in February 2021. Mets acquired him from the Blue Jays in January 2021 as part of a trade for Steven Matz. Originally drafted out of Estero HS (Ohio) in 2016 and signed away from a commitment to Florida Southwestern State. Spent three seasons in short-season and another in Class A, while still being relatively young for his level, as he climbed the ladder. Missed time in 2019 with a finger injury that lingered and impacted his stuff throughout the year. Was left unprotected and went unselected in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft.
Summation: Intriguing arm who needs to work on his arsenal and command. Has the velocity you look for, but still learning how to pitch and harness his stuff. Secondary pitches lag behind and need significant refinement. Slider shows the most potential right now. Fastball/slider combination could profile well in a bullpen role. Needs to refine his arsenal and find a consistent secondary to have a chance to remain in the starting rotation.
Ian Cundall is Director of Scouting for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @IanCundall.