Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Yankees Designate Rule 5 Pick Cade Winquest, Promote Luis Gil

The move underscores how Rule 5 roster rules can clash with a win-now bullpen plan.

Overview

  • New York removed right-hander Cade Winquest from its roster to make room for starter Luis Gil, who opened the season at Triple-A.
  • Because Winquest was a Rule 5 pick from the Cardinals, he must clear waivers, then can be offered back to St. Louis under the rule’s return procedure, with reports differing on whether the fee is $25,000 or $50,000.
  • Winquest made the Yankees’ Opening Day roster but never appeared in the first 12 games as a seldom-used ninth reliever on a club running a four-man rotation.
  • Team leaders said they liked his upside but could not find low-leverage innings on a contending roster, and his 7.20 ERA in 10 spring innings hurt his case as others outpitched him.
  • If the Cardinals reclaim him, his Yankees stint ends without a debut, and if they decline, New York could keep him in the minors, a path the club rarely reaches with Rule 5 picks.