Cardinals Sign Velazquez to Minor League Deal

The St. Louis Cardinals added depth to their outfield mix this week by signing corner outfielder and designated hitter Nelson Velázquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training camp. The 27-year-old right-handed hitter, who last appeared in the majors in 2023, brings power potential to a team in the early stages of a rebuild.

Velázquez's agreement was announced as part of the Cardinals' list of non-roster invitees, signaling a low-risk addition aimed at fostering competition during the offseason. He spent the 2024 season navigating setbacks after being outrighted from the Kansas City Royals' 40-man roster in spring training. His early performance at Triple-A Omaha was lackluster, with a .202 batting average over 33 games, leading to his release in May. Seeking a rebound, Velázquez joined the Mexican League, where he excelled over 49 games, showcasing the raw power that had initially drawn MLB interest.

That success prompted the Pittsburgh Pirates to sign him to a minor league deal later in the year. Velázquez carried his momentum to Triple-A Indianapolis, posting a .284 batting average, .329 on-base percentage and .554 slugging percentage...