Yankees DFA Rule 5 Pick Cade Winquest

The New York Yankees are reportedly designating right-hander Cade Winquest for assignment to create a roster spot for Luis Gil. The move is expected to become official on April 10, 2026, prior to the first pitch of the Yankees’ series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The decision follows a period of two weeks in which Winquest saw no game action. The transaction was first reported by Jon Heyman of the NY Post.

Rule 5 Draft Implications

Winquest joined the Yankees organization in December 2025 after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. He was the first player the Yankees had selected in that specific draft since 2011.

Under the terms of the Rule 5 Draft, Winquest was required to remain on the Yankees’ active roster for the entire 2026 season. If the team failed to keep him on the roster, he would have to be offered back to his previous team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Performance and Background

Winquest earned a spot on the team out of spring training after appearing in seven games. During those appearances, he pitched 10 innings, allowing eight runs on 13 hits and four walks, while recording eight strikeouts.

Before joining the Yankees, Winquest was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He spent significant time in the Cardinals’ minor league system, where he appeared in 58 games, 38 of which were starts.

During his tenure with the Cardinals’ affiliates, Winquest posted a 4.19 ERA and recorded 219 strikeouts over 212.2 innings. He concluded the 2025 season at the Double-A level with Springfield, where he pitched 42.1 innings across eight games with a 3.19 ERA.

Roster Adjustments

The move is designed to facilitate the return of Luis Gil, who is scheduled to start for the Yankees in the series opener against the Rays on April 10, 2026.

By designating Winquest for assignment, the Yankees are prioritizing the addition of Gil to the active roster, effectively ending Winquest’s tenure as a Rule 5 pick for the 2026 season.