Daniel Winkler, Relief Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

Date of Birth: 2/2/1990
Birthplace: Effingham, Illinois
College: University of Central Florida

Daniel Winkler, relief pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, was first drafted in 2010 by the Chicago Cubs but he opted instead to attend the University of Central Florida. A year later, he was drafted by and signed with the Colorado Rockies. He pitched in the Rockies' minor league system from 2011 until June of 2014, when he had Tommy John surgery.

The Atlanta Braves acquired Winkler in the Rule 5 draft on December 11, 2014. He spent most of the 2015 season on the DL, recovering from Tommy John surgery. He joined the Braves for just 1.2 innings in 2 games.

In 2016, Winkler was again on the DL for most of the season, this time with a fractured elbow. He pitched 2.1 innings in 3 games with the Braves.

Winkler's time was split between the majors and the minors in 2017. He had a 2.51 ERA in 14.1 innings in 16 games with the Braves.

Winkler finished the 2018 season with 4 wins and no losses, 2 saves, 69 strikeouts to 20 walks, and a 3.43 ERA in 60.1 innings in 69 games. He didn't pitch in the postseason.

Winkler was traded to the San Francisco Giants on July 31, 2019. He played only with the Braves in 2019, finishing the season with 3 wins and 1 loss, 22 strikeouts to 11 walks, and a 4.98 ERA in 21.2 innings in 27 games. He also pitched 30.2 innings in 30 games in the minors.

Winkler became a free agent on September 30, 2019. He signed with the Cubs on December 6th. He pitched in 18 games in 2020, and he had a 2.95 ERA in 18.1 innings. In the postseason, he pitched 1.0 innings in 1 game, and he gave up no hits.

Winkler spent time on the IL in 2021. He finished the season with a 5.22 ERA in 39.2 innings in 47 games. The Cubs released him on August 20th.

Winkler signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on March 16, 2022. He was released on June 1st. He signed a minor league contract with the White Sox on June 16th.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Daniel Winkler
MiLB - Daniel Winkler