As Opening Day approaches, the Yankees are making strategic moves to finalize their roster, and one of the latest decisions involves adding right-handed reliever Cade Winquest to the big-league squad. This move, first reported by Jon Heyman, highlights the Yankees' interest in leveraging Winquest's potential.
Winquest's journey to the Yankees began when he was selected from the Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft. This marks a rare event for the Yankees, who have only made nine such selections since 1965.
The last time they added a Rule 5 Draft pick to their Opening Day roster was in 2006 with Josh Phelps. According to the Draft's rules, Winquest must remain on the active roster throughout the season, or he’ll be placed on waivers and potentially offered back to St.
Louis.
At 25, Winquest has primarily been a starter in the minors, but the Yankees see him as a valuable bullpen asset. His mid-90s fastball has been hit hard in the past, but it's his upper-70s curveball that's turning heads, boasting a 46-percent whiff rate last year. The Yankees believe this pitch could make him a key player in their bullpen strategy.
Despite a challenging spring with a 7.20 ERA in nine outings, the Yankees are optimistic. Spring stats often don't tell the full story, as players use this time to fine-tune their skills. Joining Winquest on the roster is non-roster invitee Randal Grichuk, adding depth to the bullpen alongside Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn, all of whom can provide spot starts if needed.
With Winquest's addition, the Yankees' 26-man roster is nearly complete. Decisions loom regarding the final spot, with Brent Headrick and Jake Bird vying for inclusion.
There's also the possibility of optioning Luis Gil to accommodate roster flexibility. The final roster decisions will soon unfold, shaping the Yankees' strategy as the season begins.