Nelson Velázquez
Nelson Javier Velázquez
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
- High School P.J. Education School
- Debut May 30, 2022
- Born December 26, 1998 in Carolina P.R.
Biographical information[edit]
Outfielder Nelson Velázquez made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs on May 30, 2022, starting both games of a Memorial Day doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers in right field. He had one hit in both games, finishing the day 2 for 7. In his debut game, both starting pitchers were also making their debut, with Ethan Small on the mound for the Brewers and Matt Swarmer for the Cubs; another pitcher, Anderson Espinoza would make his debut in relief for the Cubs in the nitecap.
He was a 5th round selection in the 2017 amateur draft, out of a high school in Carolina, Puerto Rico, which happens to be the birthplace of the great Roberto Clemente. He really rose to the fore in the fall off 2021 when he was named MVP of the Arizona Fall League, leading the league with 9 homers and an OPS of 1.191 with the Mesa Solar Sox, but prior to that he had already made his name by winning the organization's minor league player of the month award on three separate occasions.
In his rookie season for the Cubs in 2022, he hit .205 in 77 games, with 6 homers and 26 RBIs for an OPS+ of 83, He played all three outfield spots with center field his most common position. In 2023, the Cubs were a much-improved team, having among others picked up OF Cody Bellinger as a free agent, leaving less space for youngsters still struggling to find their major league footing like Nelson. he started the season with the big league team, and hit .350 in April, albeit in limited playing time, but he went into a slump in May, going 0 for 9 to bring the average down to .241 and on May 8th was sent back to the minors. He played 74 games for the AAA Iowa Cubs, batting .253 with 16 homers and 44 RBIs before being traded to the Kansas City Royals on July 31st in return for reliever José Cuas.
Further Reading[edit]
- William Boor: "Cubs' Velazquez wins AFL MVP Award", mlb.com, November 20, 2021. [1]
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