Astros Infielder Jack Winkler Records First Spring Training Home Run

LITHIA SPRINGS, FL – Houston Astros infielder Jack Winkler hit his first home run of the 2026 Spring Training season on Sunday, February 22nd, against the St. Louis Cardinals. The hit, a solo shot to left field, gave the Astros a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning.

Winkler’s Performance

According to MLB.com, Winkler’s home run came off a four-seam fastball with a speed of 94.2 mph and a spin rate of 2084 rpm. The ball had an exit velocity of 106.5 mph, a launch angle of 27°, and traveled a distance of 397 feet.

Player Background

Jack Tanner Winkler, born November 4, 1998, is a right-handed hitting second baseman currently in the Houston Astros organization. He previously played for the Miami Marlins, making his MLB debut with the team on May 31, 2025. Winkler was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB draft after playing college baseball for the University of San Francisco. Baseball-Reference details his early career, including time spent with the Arizona Complex League Athletics and the Single-A Stockton Ports.

Recent Transactions

Winkler signed a minor league contract with the Astros after electing minor league free agency, as reported by MSN.