Yankees Select Cade Winquest in Rule 5 Draft

At the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings, the New York Yankees made a significant move by selecting right-handed pitcher Cade Winquest from the St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft. This marks the Yankees' first Rule 5 selection since 2011, highlighting a shift in their offseason strategy. Winquest, a 25-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas, was an eighth-round pick by the Cardinals in 2022 and had a productive 2025 season, posting a 3.99 ERA with 110 strikeouts over 106 innings across High-A and Double-A levels.

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Assistant General Manager Mike Fishman indicated that Winquest, who possesses a fastball that can reach 100 mph, is expected to compete for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen during spring training. The Yankees have openings in their bullpen following the departures of several pitchers, including right-hander Devin Williams, who signed with the New York Mets. Winquest's selection reflects the Yankees' intent to develop him into a reliable reliever, a role that aligns with their current roster needs.

New York PostHeavyYankees select pitcher Cade Winquest in 2025 Rule 5 Draft

The Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select players who have not been protected on their previous teams' 40-man rosters. The Yankees paid $100,000 for Winquest, who must remain on their active roster for the entire 2026 season to retain him. If the Yankees choose to demote him, they would need to offer him back to the Cardinals for $50,000. This draft is particularly challenging for teams like the Yankees, who have historically lost more players than they have selected, making Winquest's acquisition noteworthy.

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While the Yankees' selection of Winquest has been met with optimism, some analysts express skepticism regarding the long-term viability of Rule 5 picks, particularly for teams in win-now modes. Critics argue that the pressure to keep such players on the roster can hinder roster flexibility and may not yield the desired results.

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Mike Fishman stated, “We felt that the combination of the available player who fit a particular target of ours, as well as having openings on our pitching staff and open 40-man space, those three things lining up together allowed us to make a move this year.” This sentiment underscores the Yankees' strategic approach to roster management and player development.

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• “He’s got big velocity and has the characteristics that our pitching group is good at working with,” — Mike Fishman, Assistant General Manager

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• “We identify candidates every year, and in the past, it hasn’t really lined up to the right player at the right time,” — Mike Fishman, Assistant General Manager

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As the Yankees prepare for spring training, the focus will be on Cade Winquest's performance and adaptation to the major leagues. The team will also continue to evaluate their bullpen options, potentially making further adjustments as the season approaches. The Yankees' recent selections in the Rule 5 Draft, including catcher Abrahan Gutierrez and righty reliever Hansel Rincon, indicate a broader strategy to bolster their roster depth.

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