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Yankees Return Rule 5 Pick Cade Winquest to Cardinals

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Yankees Return Pitcher Cade Winquest to Cardinals

After clearing waivers, pitcher Cade Winquest has been returned to the St. Louis Cardinals by the New York Yankees, per the rules of the Rule 5 draft.

The move followed Winquest being designated for assignment by the Yankees last week. Since no other team claimed him on waivers, he was offered back to his original organization. Winquest, who does not occupy a spot on the Cardinals' 40-man roster, has been assigned to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.

Transaction Details

  • The Yankees selected Winquest in the Rule 5 draft prior to the 2024 season.
  • He was designated for assignment last week.
  • After clearing waivers, he was offered back to the Cardinals per Rule 5 procedures.
  • The Cardinals are not required to place him on their 40-man roster upon his return.

Roster Context and Timeline

The Yankees began the 2024 season with a four-man starting rotation, optioning pitcher Luis Gil to the minors. This created a temporary spot for Winquest on the active major league roster, as required by Rule 5 draft rules. Winquest did not appear in a regular season game for the Yankees.

When Luis Gil was recalled to rejoin the starting rotation several weeks into the season, Winquest was designated for assignment to create the necessary roster space.

Rule 5 Draft Rules

This transaction is governed by the Major League Baseball Rule 5 draft:

  • A player selected must remain on his new team's active major league roster for the entire season.
  • If designated for assignment, the player must be placed on waivers.
  • If claimed, the new team assumes the same Rule 5 roster obligations.
  • If the player clears waivers, he must be offered back to his original team for a nominal fee. The original team is not obligated to add the player to its 40-man roster.

Player Background and Statistics

  • Cade Winquest is 26 years old.
  • During 2024 spring training with the Yankees, he pitched 10 innings in Grapefruit League games. He allowed 8 earned runs, 13 hits, 4 walks, and 1 hit batter, while recording 8 strikeouts.
  • In the 2023 season, Winquest pitched 106 innings split between High-A and Double-A in the Cardinals' system. He posted a 3.99 ERA with a 23.9% strikeout rate, an 8.5% walk rate, and a 48% ground ball rate.

Next Steps

Winquest will report to the Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate in Memphis to continue his development within the organization.