Former Reds outfielder Jesse Winker traded, returns to the NL Central

Jesse Winker has now been traded twice in less than a year. The Cincinnati Reds traded Winker along with Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners last spring.

Winker is now on his way back to the National League Central Division after the Mariners shipped the outfielder to Milwaukee on Friday. Winker, along with infielder Abraham Toro, will join the Brewers in exchange for second baseman Kolten Wong.

The Mariners had been looking for upgrade to the middle infield and they found that in Wong. The Brewers will be hoping, that after struggling in 2022, that the Buffalo native will return to his All-Star form.

Former Reds outfielder Jesse Winker traded, returns to the NL Central.

Cincinnati Reds fans were shocked last March after it was announced that Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez were traded. In return, Cincinnati received two pitching prospects (Brandon Williamson and Levi Stoudt), outfielder Jake Fraley, and pitcher Justin Dunn.

While Suarez had a bounce-back year in the Emerald City, Winker was unable to sustain the career-performance he posted in 2021. After slashing .305/.394/.556 in 110 games, Winker went into a slump and hit just .219/.344/.344.

A return to the NL Central, especially the hitter friendly American Family Field, may help boost Winker's production in 2023. Winker signed a two-year contract extension last year with the Mariners and will become a freee agent after next season.

After trading away Hunter Renfroe in November, the Brewers were in need of an additional outfielder. However, after Jesse Winker's pathetic defensive performance in 2022, it's more likely that he'll be Milwaukee's primary designated hitter in 2023.

The Cincinnati Reds will get an upclose and personal look at Winker and the Milwaukee Brewers next season. Winker's first game back at Great American Ball Park will be on June 2nd. However, because of the new scheduling, Cincinnati will only play Milwaukee 13 times next season.