DYERSVILLE, IA – AUGUST 11: Nelson Velazquez #4 of the Chicago Cubs looks on before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at The MLB Field at Field of Dreams on Thursday, August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Chicago Cubs broke a four-year playoff drought last year after some significant roster moves and now they’ll be looking to return to the postseason and make a deeper run after some additional changes.
Most notably, the Cubs parted ways with star outfielder Cody Bellinger by trading him to the New York Yankees and brought in his replacement, Kyle Tucker, via trade with the Houston Astros last year. Tucker suffered some injury problems but enjoyed a strong campaign for the Cubs before leaving for a blockbuster contract from the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this month.
The Cubs have pivoted once again, bringing in veteran third baseman Alex Bregman to help lead the clubhouse. All told, the Cubs seem to be in a strong position to build on last season’s success, even after some major personnel changes.
Chicago Cubs’ Former Rookie Joins St. Louis Cardinals’ Organization
In the meantime, Cubs fans have gotten news regarding a former draft pick and young slugger who debuted with the team, as outfielder Nelson Velazquez has now joined their historic rival, the St. Louis Cardinals, on a minor league deal, according to his official player profile.
“Velázquez, 27, is looking to get back to the majors for the first time in two seasons,” Anthony Franco wrote for MLB Trade Rumors following the news. “Velázquez has a .212/.286/.433 batting line in 615 plate appearances, essentially the equivalent of one full season. He has 31 homers in that time but the batting average and on-base marks haven’t been sufficient.”
Cubs fans might remember Velazquez from his 2022 debut campaign with the club, which saw him struggle to a .205/.286/.373 slash line. He returned in 2023 and showed significant improvement, particularly with a .621 slugging percentage and three homers in just 13 games before he was dealt to the Kansas City Royals. He continued his strong season with the American League club before enduring a significant decline at the plate in the 2024 season that pushed him off the Royals’ 40-man roster in Spring Training. He was then released from the team as his struggles endured in Triple-A.
Velazquez did have a solid Triple-A campaign for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization last year and slashed .277/.377/.423 in 137 at-bats in the Puerto Rican Winter League during this offseason. That was good enough to catch the attention of the Cubs’ historic division rival, who will now see if they can help Velazquez realize the promise he flashed as a Cubs draftee.
Chicago Cubs’ Former Slugger Nelson Velazquez Will Have To Fight For Chance With New-Look St. Louis Cardinals
It will certainly help that the Cardinals are undergoing a significant roster overhaul, which should open up at-bat opportunities for younger players, though Velazquez will likely sit behind some more promising options in the team’s system.
“The Cardinals are amidst a rebuild that should open some playing time in the outfield,” Franco added. “The Cardinals certainly aren’t going to force him into the lineup over younger players who could be core pieces. He’s their only non-roster outfielder with MLB experience and seems likely to open the season at Triple-A Memphis.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterchawaga/2026/01/27/cubs-former-slugger-joins-hated-rival-cardinals-amid-overhaul/
