The Philadelphia Phillies are set to wrap up their three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Wednesday, with the series finale scheduled for 3:40 p.m. EDT.
Philadelphia has already secured the series after winning the first two games on Monday and Tuesday. Before taking the field for the finale, however, the Phillies made a relatively quiet roster move, adding a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher with MLB experience.
The Phillies have signed right-hander to a major contract, according to MLB.com.
Winder has not appeared in an MLB game since 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery ahead of the 2025 season. The signing gives Philadelphia another experienced arm to evaluate as the club prepares for the stretch run and potentially the postseason.
Before his injury, Winder featured a five-pitch arsenal. His 2024 pitch mix included a mid-90s four-seam fastball, a high-80s changeup, a mid-80s sweeper, a mid-80s slider and a mid-90s sinker. Those velocity figures come from his pre-surgery data, meaning his current stuff could look different as he works his way back.
Winder Once Ranked Among Minnesota’s Top Prospects
The Minnesota Twins selected Winder in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Virginia Military Institute.
At one point, Winder was viewed as one of the organization’s more promising young pitchers. Baseball America ranked him as Minnesota’s No. 6 overall prospect entering the 2022 season.
His development, however, was repeatedly interrupted by injuries. Winder dealt with shoulder problems that landed him on the injured list during each season from 2021 through 2023. He then missed significant time in 2024 because of a scapular stress fracture.
From 2022 through 2024, Winder appeared in 110 2/3 MLB innings and recorded a 4.39 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 85 strikeouts. Minnesota initially used him as a starter before eventually transitioning him into a full-time relief role.
Winder has also been effective in the minors, where he owns a career 3.71 ERA with 355 strikeouts across 334 1/3 innings.
For Philadelphia, the move is a low-risk opportunity to see whether the former top prospect can regain his form after a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Phillies Enter Critical Stretch of 2026 Season
The timing of the signing is notable as Philadelphia heads toward a pivotal portion of the schedule.
After finishing its series with Arizona, the Phillies are scheduled to open a four-game showdown with the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on Friday. Philadelphia currently sits three games behind Atlanta in the National League East.
The Phillies are also holding the first NL Wild Card position with a 78-61 record, giving them a narrow one-game advantage over the Chicago Cubs for the second Wild Card spot.
With the division race tightening and the postseason picture becoming increasingly important, Philadelphia will need as much pitching depth as possible. Winder now gives the organization another arm to monitor as the club searches for potential reinforcements down the stretch.