Nelson Velázquez
| Nelson Velázquez | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Velázquez with the South Bend Cubs in 2021 | |
| Kansas City Royals | |
| Outfielder / Designated hitter | |
| Born: December 26, 1998 Carolina, Puerto Rico | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 30, 2022, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Batting average | .212 |
| Home runs | 31 |
| Runs batted in | 87 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Nelson Javier Velázquez (born December 26, 1998) is a Puerto Rican professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter in the Kansas City Royals organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs.
Career
Chicago Cubs
The
Velázquez did not play professionally during 2020, as the minor-league season was cancelled because of the
Velázquez reached the Triple-A level in 2022 with the Iowa Cubs, and was added to Chicago's active roster prior to a doubleheader on May 30. He made his major-league debut the same day, collecting a hit in his first MLB at bat.[5] On July 4, Velázquez hit his first career home run off of Eric Lauer of the Milwaukee Brewers.[6] He played in 77 games for the Cubs in his rookie campaign, hitting .205/.286/.373 with 6 home runs, 26 RBI, and 5 stolen bases.
Velázquez was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to begin the 2023 season.[7] He was recalled back to the Majors, on April 10.[8] The following day, he hit his first career grand slam, to give the Cubs an 8-7 lead against the Seattle Mariners, after they were previously down 7-0.[9] Velazquez was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa on May 8.[10]
Kansas City Royals
On July 31, 2023, the Cubs traded Velázquez to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for José Cuas.[11] Velazquez was assigned to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers to begin his time with the Royals. On August 10, Velazquez was called up to make his Royals debut, hitting a home run in his first plate appearance the next day. Velazquez hit a home run the following day in his second career game for Kansas City, making him 3-8 with 2 home runs and 3 RBI in his first 2 games with the team.[12]
On March 23, 2025, Velázquez was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Omaha.[13]
International career
Velázquez was named to the All-Tournament team for the
References
- ^ "Nelson Velazque Stats, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ Boor, William (November 20, 2021). "Cubs' Velazquez wins AFL MVP Award". Mlb.com. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ Bastian, Jordan (November 19, 2021). "Fall League star Velazquez added to 40-man". Mlb.com. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
- ^ Bastian, Jordan (May 30, 2022). "'He's my bestie': Morel, Velázquez share a baseball brotherhood". MLB.com. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
- ^ "Cubs Nelson Velázquez hits first career HR". nbcsports.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ "Cubs' Nelson Velazquez: Optioned to Triple-A level". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Why the Cubs opted to recall outfielder Nelson Velázquez | Chicago Cubs News". April 11, 2023.
- ^ "Nelson Velazquez's first career grand slam powers Cubs to comeback win vs. Mariners". April 12, 2023.
- ^ "Nelson Velázquez Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
- ^ "Royals add OF Velázquez in trade with Cubs". MLB.com. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Royals' Nelson Velazquez: Recalled from Triple-A". CBSSports.com. August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
- ^ "Royals Outright Nick Pratto, Nelson Velazquez; Phillies Claim Carlos Hernandez". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ "Así quedó el Equipo Todos Estrellas de la Serie del Caribe 2024". MLB.com (in Spanish). Retrieved February 17, 2024.
External links
- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet