Pat Winkel, a former UConn standout and one‑time Minnesota Twins prospect, found himself on the free‑agent market in March 2024 after the club opted not to retain him.
Within days he inked a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays’ Double‑A affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, a move that surprised few given his recent training at The Grind Baseball & Softball Training Facility in Orange, Connecticut.
A Quick Arrival, Immediate Impact
Winkel’s debut was nothing short of cinematic. In his first home appearance he tossed a no‑hitler, then the following day ripped a two‑run double that helped the Fisher Cats pull ahead.
The hot streak has continued, with the infielder batting .328 and already accounting for three homers and 11 RBI in just 20 games. His bat has remained hot, turning heads in the Eastern League.
Beyond the numbers, Winkel credits his family — his wife Alexa and his parents — for keeping him grounded through the transition, and he expresses deep gratitude toward the Blue Jays organization for the opportunity.
He also notes that he harbors no resentment toward the Twins, acknowledging that professional sports are a business and that he remains focused on contributing to his new club.
Training Grounds and Future Outlook
The Connecticut native spends much of his off‑field time at The Grind, a facility known for its cutting‑edge hitting labs and conditioning programs. There, he works closely with coaches to fine‑tune his swing and maintain the momentum he built early in the season.
Looking ahead, Winkel says he is eager to keep the Fisher Cats competitive and hopes the performance will earn him a call‑up to Triple‑A or even a spot on the Blue Jays’ roster. For now, he enjoys the support of his family, the camaraderie of his teammates, and the simple pleasure of playing the game he loves.