"He most recently appeared in MLB back in 2023 with the Pirates, but he had to have Tommy John surgery that year, missed 2024, and then returned to action in 2025 splitting the season between Triple-A for the Guardians (good results) and the KBO (not good results). Against that track record, I have absolutely no clue what Velasquez could or could not be in 2026."
"In other words, I expect this is mostly a reclamation play for the Cubs, who probably are happy to have some additional, experienced depth for Spring Training and beyond, but who may also have some ideas on how to help Velasquez bounce back/unlock the potential that was always there. It's a mostly free shot. You will be exceedingly unsurprised to learn that one of the hallmarks of Velasquez's good stuff is a fastball that cuts and rides far more than a typical four-seamer."
Vince Velasquez, 33, signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs as a reclamation project and organizational pitching depth. Velasquez showed early peak performance with the Phillies but struggled to sustain results and durability. He last pitched in MLB in 2023 with the Pirates, underwent Tommy John surgery that year, missed 2024, and in 2025 split time between Triple-A for the Guardians (strong numbers over 18 starts) and the KBO (poor results). The Cubs view the signing as a mostly low-risk opportunity to test and potentially unlock his past potential without major roster cost. Velasquez's fastball is notable for cutting and riding more than a typical four-seamer. An infamous play involved him being struck by a line drive, an impressive but unfortunate moment.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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