Keaton Winn Bio
Keaton Eugene Winn is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Keaton Winn was born on February 20, 1998, in Ollie, Iowa. He grew up in a small town where he was encouraged to pursue sports from a young age. At Pekin High School, Winn excelled in multiple sports, including football and basketball, earning recognition as a two-time All-State wide receiver/tight end and a two-time all-conference first team basketball player. He also made his mark in track and field as a state champion in the 4 × 200 meters relay.
Winn began playing varsity baseball for Pekin High School when he was in eighth grade. He showcased his talent as a two-way player, excelling both as a pitcher and a batter. His impressive performance included a perfect game with 20 strikeouts in 2015, and he achieved remarkable statistics in his junior and senior years, establishing himself as a standout athlete.
Path to Baseball
After high school, Keaton Winn attended Iowa Western Community College, where he continued to develop his baseball skills. During his two years with the Reivers, he recorded a 9–2 win-loss record with five saves and a 2.37 earned run average (ERA) in 31 games. His performance earned him a First-Team All-Iowa Community College Athletic Conference selection as a freshman, highlighting his potential as a future professional player.
Winn was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 20th round of the 2017 MLB draft but opted to return to college for another season. The following year, he was drafted again by the Giants, this time in the fifth round, and signed for a $500,000 bonus. This marked the beginning of his professional career.
Keaton Winn Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Keaton Winn made his professional debut in 2018 with the Low-A Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, where he posted a 3–1 record with a 4.81 ERA in 15 games. In 2019, he continued to impress while pitching for the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets, achieving a 7–7 record with a 3.32 ERA, ranking fourth in the South Atlantic League. However, his career faced challenges in 2020 when the minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021, missing the entire season.
In 2022, after nearly three years away from the game, Winn returned to the mound and played for multiple teams, including the Single-A San Jose Giants and the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels. He recorded a combined 6–6 record with a 4.08 ERA, showcasing his resilience and ability to regain his form. His velocity reached the upper-90s, and he developed a reputation for his impressive splitter and slider.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Winn’s breakthrough came on June 12, 2023, when he was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut on June 13 against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he made history by becoming the first pitcher to earn a save in his major league debut since saves became an official statistic in 1969. In his debut, he pitched four innings, allowing one run on one hit, while striking out two batters and walking three.
During his rookie season, Winn made nine appearances, including five starts, and logged a 1–3 record with a 4.68 ERA and 35 strikeouts across 42+1⁄3 innings pitched. He began the 2024 season in the Giants’ rotation but faced challenges, compiling a 3–8 record and a 7.16 ERA over 12 starts. He was placed on the injured list due to a right forearm strain and later underwent season-ending surgery.
Notable Works and Milestones
Keaton Winn’s notable achievement includes being the first pitcher in San Francisco Giants history to earn a save in his major league debut. His impressive fastball, which has reached 100 mph, and his effective splitter have drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike, positioning him as a promising talent in Major League Baseball.
Keaton Winn Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Keaton Winn has been recognized for his outstanding performances, particularly during his time in college and his early professional career. His achievements have set a strong foundation for future accolades in Major League Baseball.
Keaton Winn Awards Won
While specific awards won by Keaton Winn have not been detailed, his notable achievements, including his historic MLB debut, highlight his potential for future recognition in the sport.
Keaton Winn Family
Details about Keaton Winn’s family background are limited, but he was born to Chris and Lynn Winn in Ollie, Iowa. His upbringing in a supportive environment likely contributed to his success in sports.
Personal Life
Information regarding Keaton Winn’s personal life, including marital status or children, is not publicly available. As he continues his professional career, further details may emerge.