I can't say I'm all too familiar with right-handed reliever Dan Winkler, but we'll get to know him with the Cubs in 2020. The Cubs are reportedly signing the pitcher to a one-year deal.
Winkler, 29, has a 3.68 ERA in 100.1 innings during his MLB career. He's pitched in parts of five seasons for the Braves, but has only thrown in the majors for one full year in 2018, when Winkler was pretty good, recording a 3.43 ERA in 60.1 innings.
Originally drafted by the Rockies in 2011, Winkler has suffered some tough luck with injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014 and then in April 2016 Winkler suffered a fractured elbow while facing the Cardinals that forced him to miss the rest of the season.
Winkler returned from that injury and again was good in 2018, but took a step back in 2019 with the Braves. He walked 11 batters in 21.2 innings and also pitched at Triple-A before he was traded to the Giants. Winkler then appeared in 12 games at Triple-A for the Giants' affiliate and was great, 0.64 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, but still struggled with his command in 14 innings.
So yeah, it's a low-risk move (cheap) and this shouldn't prevent the Cubs from hopefully addressing the rest of the bullpen. Winkler is most likely headed to spring training as part of a group of other pitchers that will compete for the last bullpen spot.
Winkler does have minor league options. That'll come into play if this ends up being a major league deal and not a minor league one.
UPDATE
MLB.com's Jordan Bastian confirmed the signing and says it is indeed an MLB deal for Winkler.
Winkler can make as much as $1.5 million with incentives in 2020.
The right-hander will be 30-years-old come Opening Day.
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