Yankees Select First Rule 5 Draft Pick for Opening Day Roster Since 2011
The New York Yankees finalized a roster move ahead of their 2026 opener. Right-hander Cade Winquest made the Opening Day squad.
How the Rule 5 pick factors in
Winquest was acquired in last season’s Rule 5 Draft. Rules required him to be kept on the roster or returned to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jon Heyman reported the decision via tweet on March 24, 2026 for Filmogaz.com. The move ended the club’s roster uncertainty at a key bullpen spot.
Numbers and recent performance
The 25-year-old threw 10 innings in Spring Training. He posted a 7.20 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and eight strikeouts in camp.
In 2025, he logged a 3.99 ERA across 25 games and 106 innings. Those outings came in the Cardinals’ High-A and Double-A systems.
Stat summary
- Spring Training: 10 innings, 7.20 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 8 K.
- 2025 minors: 25 games, 106 innings, 3.99 ERA.
Bullpen context and role
Winquest joins a Yankees relief corps undergoing a rebuild. David Bednar remains the established closer.
Bednar has performed strongly for New York and with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Other late-inning options have lacked consistency.
Historical significance
The club has not placed a Rule 5 Draft selection on its Opening Day roster since 2011. That season featured Brad Meyers as the previous Rule 5 arrival.
The last player to stay with the Yankees for an entire season after selection was Billy Parker in 1973. If Winquest remains through October, he would be the first to do so in 53 years.
Expect Winquest to provide depth for starters and middle relief. His role could expand if he proves reliable early in the season.
