Josh Winckowski Scouting Report and Prospect

Age: 23
Born: June 28, 1998
Birthplace: Toledo, OH
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
Bats: Right
Throws: Right

Physical Description

A strong, tall frame. There is only a small amount of projection left. He has the right appearance. A solid performer.

Mechanics

From a high-three-quarters arm slot, he throws. Depending on the batter’s handedness, changes mound position and arm slot.

When facing right-handed batters, he starts at first base, and when facing left-handed batters, he starts at third base.

It does not have a wind-up mechanism. Kick with a medium leg. Delivers a consistent message. A stab in the back with short, stiff arm action. Arm speed is above average.

Fastball

92-94 miles per hour. It reaches a top speed of 97 mph. Short bursts of 94-96 mph are possible, although he prefers to start around 92-94.

Good control, but fastball command is now fringe-average. At peak, the command should be at least average.

Pitch lacks movement and does not miss as many bats as its velocity would suggest. A sinker will also be displayed.

Early in counts, he tries to hold the ball down and make poor contact. With perfected leadership, this may be a solid-average offering.

Slider

84-86 miles per hour. The pitch will be firm and the late break will be at its finest. Advanced sense and assurance.

Will throw to batters on both sides of the plate in any count. The shape will vary, with some being more vertical with a longer break and others being more horizontal with a tilt.

In the minor leagues, he demonstrated bat-missing ability. Possibility of a better-than-average offer.

Changeup

88-91 miles per hour. His fastball is on the hard side and lacks separation. Will show fade and late drop on occasion. Average potential flashes.

Split-Finger Fastball

Supposedly began throwing at the 2020 Fall Instructional League, but it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a changeup and a fastball.

Career Notes

In February 2021, the Red Sox acquired Andrew Benintendi from the Mets as part of a three-team transaction.

In January 2021, he was traded to the Mets from the Blue Jays in exchange for Steven Matz. A pledge to Florida Southwestern State was snatched away from him.

While still relatively young for his level, he spent three seasons in short-season and another in Low-A while he worked his way up the ladder.

In 2019, he missed time due to a finger injury that persisted throughout the year and hampered his performance. In the 2020 Rule 5 Draft, he was left unprotected and unselected.

Summation

As a spot starter and bulk reliever, he’s a good option. A back-end starting pitcher’s ceiling. In a bulk role, where his lack of strikeout potential with his fastball is less of an issue, he may be quite productive.

Has the velocity you want, but he’s still learning how to pitch and use his stuff to get hitters to miss.

The slider has the most upside of his secondary pitches and has the ability to develop into a bat-missing pitch in the majors.

To stay in the starting rotation, he needs to develop his arsenal, find consistency with his secondary pitches, and enhance his fastball command.