Prior to last week, the New York Yankees hadn't made a Rule 5 draft choice since 2011 — it was Washington Nationals pitcher Brad Meyers, if you're wondering, though former Yankees Lucas Luetge and Marwin Gonzalez also moved that December.
Clearly, they saw a very good reason to break the mold and dedicate a 40-man roster spot to a newcomer this week, stealing Cade Winquest from the St. Louis Cardinals. As it turns out, this decision was very intentional. It might've been four-plus years in the making.
The 2025 Winter Meetings was not the first time the Yankees considered drafting Winquest.