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Inside The Pinstripes

Yankees Add First Rule 5 Draft Pick Since 2011 to Opening Day Roster

The New York Yankees finally made a decision about their latest Rule 5 Draft pick.
Delilah Bourque|
Feb 26, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cade Winquest (80) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cade Winquest (80) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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New York Yankees

With just over a day until their first game of the 2026 season, the New York Yankees are narrowing and refining their roster. Now, that refinement has come to the bullpen and has the potential to make history.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, right handed Cade Winquest has made the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Because Winquest was acquired by New York in last season's Rule 5 Draft, he had to be added to the roster or be sent back to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Yankees rarely make Rule 5 picks. The last time they did so before Winquest was in 2011 with Washington Nationals pitcher Brad Meyers. The last time a player remained with the Yankees for a full season was in 1973, with Billy Parker. If Winquest remains with the team until October, he will be the first Rule 5 Draft selection to do so in 53 years.

Yankees Bullpen Has Lingering Questions Going into Opening Day

Winquest will be part of a rebuilding Yankees bullpen. While the Pinstripes have David Bednar as their closer, who has excelled both in New York and on Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster, the rest of their relievers have been less consistent. The 25-year old Winquest pitched 10 innings this Spring Training, finishing camp with a 7.20 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and eight strikeouts.

While Winquest hasn't been completely dominant, he still can provide support for Yankees starters. He finished the 2025 regular season with a 3.99 ERA in 25 games and 106 innings through the Cardinals' high-A and double-A teams.

The rest of the bullpen is likely to consist of Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Paul Blackburn, Ryan Yarbrough, Brent Headrick and Jake Bird. The Yankees do not need a fifth starting pitcher for the first few weeks of the season opted to have Luis Gil start his year in the minors and carry an additional reliever.

Winquest could certainly spend the rest of the season on the 40-man roster if he is able to bring his ERA down and excel in what will likely be limited innings. Last season, the Yankees were relying on Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to shut down opponents in later innings, but neither pitcher fully lived up to their potential and New York got Bednar, Doval and Bird on the trade market. A similar situation could be on the way in 2026, depending on how reliable Winquest and the rest of the bullpen can be.

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Published | Modified
Delilah Bourque
DELILAH BOURQUE

Delilah Bourque is a writer and copyeditor based out of Pittsburgh, PA. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021. After a few years in corporate marketing, she joined On SI as a full-time copyeditor and contributor to the New York Yankees On SI, as well as occasional contributions across the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers on SI.

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