Yankees Cut Rule 5 Draft Pick Cade Winquest Before His First Game

The 25-year-old right-hander was designated for assignment to make room for another pitcher on the roster.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's motion or a baseball game, broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant navy, crimson, and yellow, conceptually representing the challenges of managing a major league roster under the Rule 5 draft rules.The Rule 5 draft's complex roster rules force teams to make tough decisions, as seen in the Yankees' swift dismissal of pitcher Cade Winquest.Today in Tampa

The New York Yankees have designated Rule 5 draft pick Cade Winquest for assignment, cutting him from the roster before he ever played in a regular-season game for the team. Winquest, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, was selected by the Yankees in the 2025 Rule 5 draft but struggled in spring training, posting a 7.20 ERA over 9 appearances. The move was made to open a roster spot for pitcher Luis Gil, who is scheduled to start against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Why it matters

The Rule 5 draft is an important mechanism for MLB teams to acquire talent, but it also carries significant risk, as selected players must remain on the major league roster for the entire season or be offered back to their original team. Winquest's swift departure from the Yankees highlights the challenges teams face in evaluating and developing Rule 5 picks, as well as the tough roster decisions they must make, especially early in the season.

The details

Winquest was the first Rule 5 draft pick to make the Yankees' opening day roster since 2007. However, his spring training struggles, which included a 0-1 record and 7.20 ERA, may have contributed to the team's decision to designate him for assignment and open a roster spot for pitcher Luis Gil. If Winquest clears waivers, he will be offered back to his original team, the St. Louis Cardinals, for $50,000. The Cardinals can then choose to reclaim him or allow the Yankees to assign him to their minor league system.

  • Winquest was selected by the Yankees in the 2025 Rule 5 draft.
  • Winquest was designated for assignment on April 12, 2026, before the Yankees' first game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The players

Cade Winquest

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who was selected by the New York Yankees in the 2025 Rule 5 draft.

Luis Gil

A pitcher for the New York Yankees who is scheduled to start against the Tampa Bay Rays, prompting the team to clear a roster spot by designating Winquest for assignment.

St. Louis Cardinals

The original team that employed Cade Winquest, who will have the opportunity to reclaim him if he clears waivers.

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What’s next

If Winquest clears waivers, the St. Louis Cardinals will have the opportunity to reclaim him for $50,000. If the Cardinals decline, the Yankees could assign him to their minor league system.

The takeaway

Winquest's swift departure from the Yankees highlights the challenges teams face in developing Rule 5 draft picks and the tough roster decisions they must make, especially early in the season. This situation underscores the delicate balance between team needs and player development in professional baseball.