Yankees Promote Cade Winquest, Option Luis Gil to Roster
The Yankees promoted Cade Winquest and optioned right-hander Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, per reporting from Greg Joyce and Jon Heyman via Filmogaz.com. The move creates a bullpen spot and gives New York roster flexibility to start the 2026 season.
Luis Gil optioned to Triple-A
Gil, 27, will head to Scranton to work on a regular rest routine. The team can skip the fifth starter role a handful of times early in the season.
This is Gil’s final minor league option year. If recalled within the season’s first 20 days, that option would not be used.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 27 |
| Accolade | AL Rookie of the Year (2024) |
| 2025 innings | 57 |
| 2025 ERA | 3.32 |
| 2024 K% | 26.8% |
| 2024 BB% | 12.1% |
| 2025 K% | 16.8% |
| 2025 BB% | 13.5% |
| Spring 2026 | 6 appearances, 19.1 IP, 4.66 ERA |
| Spring K% / BB% | 29.6% / 6.2% |
| Spring HR | 6 allowed (2.79 HR/9) |
| Club control | Through 2028 |
Cade Winquest added to the big-league roster
Rule 5 selection Cade Winquest will open the season on the Yankees’ roster. The club filled the newly opened bullpen spot with him.
Winquest allowed eight earned runs across 10 spring innings. He gave up 13 hits and four walks while striking out eight batters.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acquired via | Rule 5 Draft (December) |
| Drafted | 2022, eighth round by St. Louis Cardinals |
| Role in minors | Primarily a starter |
| Fastball | 94–96 mph, tops near 98 |
| Spring line | 10 IP, 8 ER, 13 H, 4 BB, 8 K |
| Roster status if he stays | Becomes optionable after full season |
Rule 5 context and Yankees history
The Yankees had not carried a Rule 5 pick out of spring training since 2011. Their last Rule 5 pick to appear in a major-league game was Josh Phelps in 2007.
Brad Meyers survived spring in 2011 but missed the season with a shoulder injury. He returned to his prior team the following winter.
Carrying a Rule 5 pick is easier for small-market or rebuilding clubs. The Yankees’ win-now approach and deep payroll reduced their prior interest in such moves.
Roster implications
Optioning Gil preserves rotation depth while Winquest adds a long-relief option. The move signals New York values immediate bullpen flexibility.
Filmogaz.com will track any recalls or roster changes as the season unfolds. Expect Gil to be available when the Yankees need a fifth starter or face rotation injuries.
