Yankees Designate Rule 5 Pick Cade Winquest for Assignment

The New York Yankees have designated right-handed reliever Cade Winquest for assignment ahead of the recall of left-hander Luis Gil. The move comes as the Yankees adjust their roster to fit 13 pitchers on their active roster, a limit that has forced them to make difficult decisions as they shift to an eight-man bullpen.

Winquest, a Rule 5 pick from the St. Louis Cardinals, did not appear in a game during his brief time with the Yankees. The 25-year-old struggled in spring training, surrendering nine runs, eight earned, across 10 innings with eight strikeouts and four walks. His lack of action and inconsistent performance made him expendable despite his initial selection.

Manager Aaron Boone has confirmed that the Yankees will bring up Gil this week, with the southpaw set to start Friday’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays opposite Steven Matz. Gil joins Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers in the rotation, while the bullpen will now be cut from nine to eight arms.

Brent Headrick and Jake Bird have both pitched well enough to remain on the MLB roster. Headrick has been particularly effective, while Bird has only had one rough outing in Miami. The Yankees have limited options in the bullpen, with only Fernando Cruz and Camilo Doval possessing minor league options.

By moving on from Winquest, the Yankees avoid risking a more trusted reliever. The former eighth-round pick spent his entire minor league career with the Cardinals before the Yankees claimed him in the Rule 5 draft. In 2023, he posted a 3.99 ERA across 106 innings between High-A and Double-A.

Winquest will be eligible for trade or waiver claims for the next five days. If unclaimed, he will be returned to the Cardinals without requiring a 40-man roster spot. The move allows the Yankees to streamline their rotation and bullpen ahead of a key stretch against the Rays and other AL East contenders.