Velasquez appeared in two games for the Cubs this season, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings. He had not pitched in the majors since 2023, missing the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He spent the 2025 season within the Cleveland Guardians’ system and also spent time in the Korea Baseball Organization prior to returning to the United States.
Drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Garey High School in Pomona, California, Velasquez debuted in the majors in 2015 with Houston after a one-year stint with the Astros in his rookie season. He appeared in parts of the 2015 season with Houston, posting a 4.37 ERA over 55 2/3 innings in 19 appearances (seven starts).
Velasquez later became a longtime member of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he logged a 4.93 ERA with 642 strikeouts and 243 walks over 582 2/3 innings in 133 appearances (116 starts) from 2016 through 2021. The Phillies designated him for assignment in September 2021 and subsequently released him, after which he signed a minor-league deal with another organization.
The right-hander remains a versatile depth option, aiming to contribute as a veteran presence within the Royals’ organization as he seeks to return to the majors. Velasquez has shown the ability to start and relieve during his career, and at 34 years old, he will look to continue contributing at the Triple-A level and when (and if) called upon to pitch at the major-league level.
