Brief Introduction of Josh Winder
Joshua “Josh” Stewart Winder is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Born on October 11, 1996, in Richmond, Virginia, he is known for his career in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Minnesota Twins. Winder played college baseball at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) before being drafted by the Twins in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2022. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his powerful pitching, including a fastball that reaches the mid-90s, and was once considered one of the top pitching prospects in the Twins’ organization.
Josh Winder Overview
| Full Name | Joshua Stewart Winder |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Famous For | Playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins |
| Education | Virginia Military Institute |
| Marital Status | Information not publicly available |
| Spouse / Partner | Information not publicly available |
| Children | Information not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Josh Winder
Josh Winder was born in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in the area, living with his family. He attended James River High School in Midlothian, Virginia. Following his high school career, Winder enrolled at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he played college baseball for the VMI Keydets. During his time at VMI, he established himself as a dominant pitcher. In 2017, he set the school’s single-season record for both strikeouts with 112 and innings pitched with 107.2. He finished his collegiate career with several accolades, including being named Second Team All-SoCon in his final two seasons. Winder holds the VMI record for the best strikeouts per nine innings mark and ranks high in several other all-time pitching categories for the school.
Josh Winder Career
Early Career
The Minnesota Twins selected Josh Winder in the seventh round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, with the 214th overall pick. This made him the third-highest draft pick in the history of VMI baseball. He began his professional journey with the rookie-level Elizabethton Twins in 2018 and spent the 2019 season with the Cedar Rapids Kernels, a Low-A affiliate. In 2019, he posted a 7-2 record with a 2.65 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 21 starts, earning a spot on the Midwest League Midseason All-Star team. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which paused his on-field development.
Breakthrough
Winder’s breakthrough year came in 2021. He started the season with the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge, where he was spectacular, going 3-0 with a 1.98 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 10 starts. His dominant performance earned him a promotion to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints. The highlight of his minor league career came in June 2021, when he was selected to play in the prestigious All-Star Futures Game, representing the American League. By the end of the 2021 season, over 14 starts between Double-A and Triple-A, he had a combined 4-0 record with a 2.63 ERA. In November 2021, the Twins added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, signaling their confidence in his future.
Major Achievements and Success
Josh Winder made the Twins’ Opening Day roster for the first time in 2022. He made his MLB debut on April 12, 2022, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching one inning in relief and striking out his first career batter, Will Smith. His first Major League start on May 1, 2022, was a historic one. Winder pitched 6.0 shutout innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing only two hits while striking out seven. This performance made him the first pitcher in Twins history to pitch at least six shutout innings and allow two or fewer hits in his first MLB start. In his rookie season, he compiled a 4–6 record with a 4.70 ERA over 15 appearances, 11 of which were starts. He also recorded his first career save on August 28, 2023, against the Cleveland Guardians.
Recent Work / Current Status
Winder’s career has been hampered by injuries, including right shoulder impingement and a right scapular stress fracture. He made 19 appearances for the Twins in 2023 and only four in 2024 due to time on the injured list. In November 2024, the Twins sent him outright to St. Paul, and he elected free agency. In January 2025, Winder signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, it was announced in February 2025 that he would require Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season. He was subsequently released by the Diamondbacks organization in March 2025 and is currently a free agent undergoing rehabilitation.
Josh Winder Awards and Achievements
- Midwest League Midseason All-Star (2019)
- All-Star Futures Game Selection (2021)
- Second Team All-SoCon (2017, 2018)
- Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week (April 3, 2017)
- SoCon Pitcher of the Week (April 3, 2017)
Josh Winder Personal Life & Family
Josh Winder grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Information regarding his parents, siblings, and other family members is not widely publicized. He maintains a private personal life, and details about his personal interests outside of baseball are not extensively documented in public sources.
Josh Winder Relationship Details
Information not publicly available
Josh Winder Net Worth and Income
Josh Winder’s exact net worth is not publicly available. His income has primarily come from his professional baseball contracts. His salary with the Minnesota Twins in 2024 was reported as $751,850. His career earnings through his time in MLB are estimated to be over $1.4 million. He signed for a bonus of $198,700 after being drafted in 2018. Further details on endorsements or business ventures are not disclosed.
Josh Winder Physical Appearance
- Height: 6′ 5″
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Eye Color: Information not publicly available
- Hair Color: Information not publicly available
Josh Winder Controversies
No major controversies reported.
Josh Winder Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Josh Winder
- He is the third-highest draft pick in the history of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) baseball program.
- In his first Major League start, he became the first pitcher in Minnesota Twins history to throw at least six shutout innings while allowing two or fewer hits.
- During the 2016 summer, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Peninsula Pilots in the Coastal Plain League.
- Baseball America recognized him as having the best curveball in the Twins’ minor league system in 2019.
Josh Winder Legacy and Influence
Josh Winder’s journey from a standout collegiate athlete at VMI to a Major League Baseball pitcher serves as an inspiration for players in non-traditional baseball programs. He is one of only a few alumni from VMI to reach the major leagues, highlighting his talent and dedication. Despite battling significant injuries, his career demonstrates perseverance. His brief but impactful performances, particularly his historic first start, have left a mark in the Minnesota Twins’ franchise records. While his long-term impact is still unfolding as he recovers from surgery, his success as a high-level prospect and his achievements at the MLB level have contributed to the legacy of VMI’s athletic program.
Final Words about Josh Winder
Josh Winder’s biography is a testament to both high achievement and resilience in the face of adversity. A product of James River High School and the Virginia Military Institute, he translated a record-setting college career into a professional contract with the Minnesota Twins. His ascent through the minor leagues was marked by an All-Star Futures Game appearance and recognition as a top prospect. His MLB debut and especially his record-breaking first start showcased the immense potential he possesses. While significant injuries have presented major obstacles in his path, including a recent Tommy John surgery, Winder’s career is a story of a talented pitcher who has reached the highest level of the sport. His future in baseball will depend on his recovery, but his journey thus far remains a significant chapter in the recent history of the Minnesota Twins and VMI athletics.