Yankees Skipper Reveals Strict Usage Plan for Rule 5 Pick Winquest

Boone says Winquest will only see action if Yankees are up big or down big, raising questions about the team's roster management.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:24pm

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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has revealed a very limited usage plan for Rule 5 Draft pick Cade Winquest, stating the young pitcher will only see action if the Yankees are up by at least 6 runs or down big. This raises questions about the team's roster management, as Winquest has yet to make his MLB debut despite the Yankees holding large leads in previous games this season.

Why it matters

The Yankees' handling of Winquest highlights the challenges teams face in managing Rule 5 Draft picks, who must remain on the MLB roster all season or be offered back to their original team. Boone's comments suggest the Yankees are reluctant to give Winquest meaningful innings, potentially wasting a roster spot on a player they don't trust to pitch in close games.

The details

Cade Winquest, a Rule 5 Draft pick, has yet to make his MLB debut for the Yankees despite the team holding large leads in previous games this season. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Winquest will only be used if the Yankees are up by at least 6 runs or down big, a very limited usage plan for the young pitcher who struggled in spring training with a 7.20 ERA.

  • The Yankees are 4-1 to open the 2026 season.
  • Winquest did not pitch in the Yankees' 7-0 win on Opening Day.
  • Winquest also did not pitch in the Yankees' 5-0 win over the Mariners on Tuesday.

The players

Aaron Boone

Manager of the New York Yankees.

Cade Winquest

A Rule 5 Draft pick who has yet to make his MLB debut for the Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“The Yankees won last night's game by a 5-0 score. Aaron Boone said if the Yanks scored another run, Cade Winquest would've come in for his MLB debut.”

— Bryan Hoch

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to monitor Winquest's development and usage as the season progresses, with the team facing a decision on whether to keep him on the roster all year or offer him back to his original team.

The takeaway

The Yankees' handling of Cade Winquest highlights the challenges teams face in managing Rule 5 Draft picks, as they must balance developing young talent with the need to remain competitive. Boone's comments suggest the Yankees are reluctant to trust Winquest in meaningful innings, raising questions about the team's roster management strategy.