After much speculation, the Milwaukee Brewers ended up trading Kolten Wong. In return from the Mariners they received Jesse Winker and Abraham Toro. The trade is still currently pending medical review and commissioners approval. That being said, there are some potential health concerns surrounding Winker. There also may be some club house issues as well.
What are the health concerns regarding Jesse Winker?
Adam McCalvy pointed out that Winker has undergone surgery this off-season. In October he had surgery on his knee. While this is not uncommon, he also had a second surgery. That surgery was for his neck and was a disc replacement.
The medicals are complicated in this case. Coming off a bad year after he was an All-Star for Cincinnati in 2021, Winker had knee surgery in October and was scheduled for neck surgery after that. https://t.co/CeyAf1R7kn
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) December 2, 2022
Winker had two surgeries since season’s end: Meniscus in his left knee and disc replacement surgery in his neck. He’ll begin baseball activity in January.
“This is a no-excuse league. I had a bad year so I got some things taken care of.”
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) December 2, 2022
What are the club house concerns regarding Jesse Winker?
A rumor surrounding why the Mariners wanted to part ways with Winker is because they were not getting along. An article from Fansided’s Sodo Mojo has several revealing statements. The highlights included players being tired and frustrated with Winker. They also indicate that he just shows up expecting to play, doesn’t work hard, and would be upset if he was not the designated hitter.
Between the reported health concerns and his club house issues, a pretty picture is not painted of Jesse Winker. Perhaps more light will be shed on this in the near future.
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