In the 2025 Rule 5 Draft, the New York Yankees and the Colorado Rockies each made notable additions, aiming to strengthen their pitching depth heading into the upcoming season. The Yankees selected right-handed pitcher Cade Winquest from the St. Louis Cardinals organization, marking their first Rule 5 Draft pick since 2011. Meanwhile, the Rockies used the first overall pick to select reliever RJ Petit from the Detroit Tigers system.
Cade Winquest, a right-hander, joins the Yankees after spending time in the Cardinals’ minor league system. While detailed statistics and current role have not been publicly outlined, the selection signals that the Yankees see potential in the 24-year-old to contribute at the major league level. Under Rule 5 Draft regulations, players selected must remain on the selecting club’s 26-man roster for the entirety of the next season or be offered back to their original teams, giving Winquest a significant opportunity to earn a spot in the New York bullpen during spring training.
The Rockies opted for RJ Petit, a tall reliever listed at 6-foot-8, indicating a preference for power arms to bolster their pitching staff. Coming from the Tigers’ organization, Petit is viewed as a potentially impactful bullpen presence. The Rockies’ selection with the first overall pick reflects a strategic decision to add major league-ready pitching talent.
The Rule 5 Draft provides teams an annual opportunity to select non-40-man roster players from other organizations, giving overlooked or developing talent a chance to break into the majors. Both the Yankees and Rockies appear to have targeted players who could contribute in relief roles, addressing key needs heading into spring training.
While the overall Rule 5 draft field was relatively quiet, the selections of Winquest and Petit highlight how clubs are continuing to evaluate and uncover depth through this unique roster-building mechanism.
