TAMPA, Fla. - A New Chapter for the Yankees with Cade Winquest
The Yankees broke a 13-year streak in the Rule 5 Draft by selecting Cade Winquest, a promising right-hander from the Cardinals' system. Standing at 6-foot-2, Winquest has yet to pitch above Double-A but is already making waves as a contender for one of the Yankees' three open bullpen spots.
His journey to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster is crucial, as failing to do so would mean a return to St. Louis.
Winquest's Grapefruit League debut against the Mets was a mixed bag. He surrendered a solo homer to Luis Torrens and issued a walk over 1 1/3 innings following starter Luis Gil.
Despite the shaky start, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Winquest's potential. Boone praised the adjustments Winquest has made with his fastball grips, noting the pitch's effectiveness at the top of the zone, complemented by a strong curveball.
Beyond the diamond, Winquest's personality shines through in NJ.com's spring training "favorites" feature:
- Teenage Celebrity Crush: Selena Gomez
- Childhood Sports Hero: David Ortiz
- Favorite Movie: American Gangster
- Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington
- Favorite Actress: Scarlett Johansson
- Favorite Musical Artist: A$AP Rocky
- Favorite Musical Group: Jimi Hendrix Experience
- Best Little League Memory: Hitting his first home run at age seven, with his dad coaching first base.
- Favorite Zoo Animal: Otters
- Favorite Non-MLB Team: Dallas Cowboys
- Favorite Sport Besides Baseball: Influenced by his parents, who were track stars.
- Favorite Road City: Chicago
- Favorite Ballpark: Oracle Park in San Francisco
- Toughest Pitcher to Face: Kaelen Culpepper, a shortstop in the Twins organization
- One Rule Change as Commissioner: Mandatory day off, inspired by his minor league schedule
- Favorite Holiday: Christmas
- Favorite Childhood Toy: Hot Wheels
- Favorite Family Vacation: The Bahamas
- Dream Vacation: Hawaii
- Favorite Subject in School: History
- Favorite Video Game: Call of Duty
- Favorite Meal: Steak and mashed potatoes
- Favorite Fast-Food Restaurant: McDonald's, despite being a Texas native with Whataburger nearby
- Favorite Candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
- Favorite Snack: Potato chips
- Favorite Soft Drink: Dr.
Pepper
- Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Braum’s Banana Fudge Sundae
- Food He Won’t Eat: Avocados, due to an allergy
- Favorite TV Station/Streaming Network: HGTV
- Three Dinner Guests: Denzel Washington, Dave Chappelle, and Jimi Hendrix
Winquest's journey with the Yankees is just beginning, and his unique blend of talent and personality makes him a player to watch as the season unfolds.