Nelson Velázquez Released by Houston Astros, Eyes Opportunity in Asia

Nelson Velázquez, a former outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, has been released by the Houston Astros, enabling the 27-year-old to seek a playing opportunity in Asia, according to the MLB transaction log.

Velázquez was drafted by the Cubs in 2017 and showed promise with his raw power, even winning MVP honors in the 2021 Arizona Fall League. He made his major-league debut in 2022, but struggled with a .205 batting average and a high strikeout rate. After a brief stint with the Cubs in 2023, where he hit three homers in 13 games, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he had a brief resurgence with 14 home runs in 40 games.

Despite flashes of potential, Velázquez's overall major-league performance was inconsistent, with a career batting line of .208/.282/.429 and a strikeout rate around 29.5%. His release from the Astros marks a significant moment in his career, as he now looks to find regular playing time overseas.