Yankees Return Rule 5 Draft Pick Cade Winquest to Cardinals

The New York Yankees have formally returned Cade Winquest, their Rule 5 draft pick, to the St. Louis Cardinals. This announcement comes after the Yankees designated him for assignment last week, suggesting that he cleared waivers. As a result, Winquest will not occupy a spot on the Cardinals’ 40-man roster and has been assigned to Triple-A Memphis for further development.

Background on Cade Winquest

Cade Winquest, who will turn 26 this month, faced an unconventional experience in the Rule 5 draft. Despite the Yankees’ infrequent selections in this draft, they chose to take a chance on him. His performance during spring training was less than stellar; he pitched ten innings in the Grapefruit League but allowed eight earned runs, totaling 13 hits, four walks, and one hit batter while striking out eight batters.

Yankees Roster Decisions

At the start of the season, the Yankees had flexibility with their roster due to several off-days, allowing them to initiate the year with a four-man rotation. This situation enabled them to option Luis Gil to the minors, briefly creating an opportunity for Winquest. However, he did not make an appearance in any games. When Gil was recalled to reinforce the rotation a couple of weeks later, Winquest was designated for assignment.

Rule 5 Draft Regulations

According to Rule 5 draft regulations, any player passed through waivers must be returned to their original club if not claimed. Nevertheless, the original team is not obligated to implement a roster spot for the player. Although Winquest did not play at the major league level, he benefited from being around experienced players, while also earning major league pay and accruing service time.

Winquest’s Future with the Cardinals

Now, Cade Winquest transitions to Triple-A Memphis to continue his professional growth. Last season, he split time between High-A and Double-A, pitching a total of 106 innings. His performance metrics included a 3.99 earned run average, a 23.9% strikeout rate, an 8.5% walk rate, and a 48% ground ball rate.

• Player: Cade Winquest
• Age: 26
• Current Team: St. Louis Cardinals (assigned to Triple-A Memphis)
• Spring Training Performance: 10 innings pitched, 8 earned runs, 13 hits, 4 walks, 1 hit batter, 8 strikeouts
• 2022 Season Stats:
  • Innings Pitched: 106
  • Earned Run Average: 3.99
  • Strikeout Rate: 23.9%
  • Walk Rate: 8.5%
  • Ground Ball Rate: 48%

Cade Winquest’s journey continues in the minors, where he will strive to enhance his skills in hopes of a future major league debut.