{{short description|American baseball player (born 1991)}} {{Use American English|date=April 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} {{distinguish|Andrew Velasquez}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Andrew Velazquez |image = Andrew Velazquez August 8, 2020 (50205963868) (cropped).jpg |image_size = |caption = Velazquez with the Baltimore Orioles in 2020 |position = Infielder |team = Arizona Diamondbacks |number = |bats = Switch |throws = Right |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|7|14}} |birth_place = The Bronx, New York, U.S. |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = September 2 |debutyear = 2018 |debutteam = Tampa Bay Rays |statleague = MLB |statyear = 2023 season |stat1label = Batting average |stat1value = .189 |stat2label = Home runs |stat2value = 12 |stat3label = Runs batted in |stat3value = 40 |teams = * Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2019}}) * Cleveland Indians ({{mlby|2019}}) * Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2020}}) * New York Yankees ({{mlby|2021}}) * Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}}) }} '''Andrew Velazquez''' (born July 14, 1994), nicknamed "'''Squid'''", is an American professional baseball infielder in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Angels.
==Early life and career== Velazquez is from Morris Park in the Bronx, a borough of New York City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/01/20/bronxs-andrew-velazquez-will-bust-my-ass-to-make-yankees/|title=Bronx product Andrew Velazquez: I'll 'bust my ass' to make Yankees' roster|date=January 20, 2021}}</ref> His father, Kenneth, worked in the New York City Police Department as a detective and undercover narcotics officer for 20 years. His mother, Margaret, was a school teacher.<ref name=latimes/>
Velazquez attended Fordham Preparatory School, where he played for the school's baseball team. He played as a center fielder until his senior year, when he became the team's starting shortstop.<ref name=nydn/> In his senior year, the ''New York Post'' named Velazquez their All-Bronx Baseball Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2012/06/22/the-posts-all-bronx-baseball-honors-2/|title=The Post's All-Bronx baseball honors|first=Zach |last=Braziller|work=New York Post|date=June 22, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> Velazquez also competed on the Prep's track and field team, as a sprinter and high jumper. He received an athletic scholarship to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) to play college baseball for the Virginia Tech Hokies.<ref name=signing/>
== Professional career ==
=== Arizona Diamondbacks === The Arizona Diamondbacks selected him in the seventh round, with the 243rd overall selection, of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.<ref name="nydn">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high-school/fordham-prep-shortstop-andrew-velazquez-selected-arizona-diamondbacks-seventh-major-league-baseball-first-year-player-draft-article-1.1090542|title=Fordham Prep shortstop Andrew Velazquez selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft: Rams star is 243rd player taken overall, first in NYC|first1=Seth|last1=Walder|first2=Mitch|last2=Abramson|work=New York Daily News|date=June 5, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2012/06/06/fordham-prep-star-is-highest-chsaa-baseball-draft-pick-in-decade/|title=Fordham Prep star is highest CHSAA baseball draft pick in decade|first=Marc|last=Raimondi|work=New York Post|date=June 6, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> He signed with the Diamondbacks, receiving a $200,000 signing bonus, bypassing his commitment to Virginia Tech.<ref name=signing>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high-school/andrew-velazquez-shortstop-fordham-prep-hs-agrees-principal-sign-arizona-diamondbacks-pass-scholarship-virginia-tech-article-1.1094634|title=Andrew Velazquez, shortstop at Fordham Prep HS, agrees in principal[sic] to sign with Arizona Diamondbacks and pass on scholarship to Virginia Tech: Velazquez to get $200,000 signing bonus, plus incentives and glove deal|first=Seth|last=Walder|work=New York Daily News|date=June 12, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> That year, he made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Arizona League Diamondbacks of the Arizona League and the Missoula Osprey of the Pioneer League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azsnakepit.com/2012/8/22/3259734/diamondbacks-minor-league-round-up-8-21-andrew-velazquez-promoted-to|title=Diamondbacks Minor League Round-Up 8/21: Andrew Velazquez Promoted to Missoula|first=John |last=Baragona |work=AZ Snake Pit|publisher=SB Nation|date=August 22, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bronx.news12.com/news/fordham-prep-alum-flies-through-minor-league-baseball-1.4238322|title=Fordham Prep alum flies through minor league baseball|work=News 12 The Bronx|date=September 6, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}} {{subscription required|date=September 2014}}</ref>
In 2013, Velazquez was assigned to the South Bend Silver Hawks of the Single-A Midwest League. For the season, he had a .260 batting average, but had almost three times as many strikeouts as walks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2014/07/16/bronx-slugger-a-hit-after-breaking-minor-league-on-base-record/|title=Bronx slugger a hit after breaking minor-league on base record|first=Zach |last=Braziller|work=New York Post|date=July 16, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> Returning to South Bend in 2014, Velazquez set a Minor League Baseball record with his 72nd consecutive game reaching base, breaking the record of 71 set by Kevin Millar in 1997 and tied by Kevin Youkilis in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24620561/d-backs-prospect-andrew-velazquez-sets-minor-league-on-base-record|title=D-Backs prospect Andrew Velazquez sets minor-league on-base record|work=CBS Sports|first=Mike |last=Axisa | date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140713/BLOGS07/140719785/-1/blogs |date=July 13, 2014 |title=South Bend star makes history at Parkview Field |first=Chris |last=Goff |work=The Journal Gazette |access-date=September 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906020401/http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140713/BLOGS07/140719785/-1/blogs |archive-date=September 6, 2014 }}</ref> His streak, which lasted from April 22 to July 16, ended at 74 consecutive games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/31/d-backs-prospect-velasquez-turning-heads-minors/13445189/|title=Diamondbacks prospect Andrew Velazquez turning heads in minors|first=Bob |last=McManaman|work=The Arizona Republic|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref><ref name="midwest" /> After the season, Velazquez was named the Midwest League Prospect of the Year.<ref name="midwest">{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-91370976|title=Farmer, Velazquez named MWL All-Stars: Tigers right-hander, D-backs shortstop headline postseason honors|first=Sam|last=Dykstra|work=Minor League Baseball|date=August 25, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> While playing in the Diamondbacks system, he was given the nickname "Squid".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuty |first1=Brendan |title=Yankees' Andrew Velazquez slippery about 'Squid' nickname |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2021/08/yankees-andrew-velazquez-slippery-about-squid-nickname.html |website=NJ.com |publisher=Advance Local Media |language=en |date=August 20, 2021}}</ref>
=== Tampa Bay Rays === [[File:Andrew Velazquez (26829034528).jpg|left|upright=0.8|thumb|Velazquez with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018]] On November 14, 2014, the Diamondbacks traded Velazquez and Justin Williams to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Jeremy Hellickson.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gilbert|first1=Steve|title=D-backs land Hellickson for two prospects|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/101503536/arizona-diamondbacks-trade-for-jeremy-hellickson-from-tampa-bay-rays|access-date=November 15, 2014|date=November 14, 2014|archive-date=November 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116000426/http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/101503536/arizona-diamondbacks-trade-for-jeremy-hellickson-from-tampa-bay-rays|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=D-Backs acquire pitcher Hellickson from Rays|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11877978|access-date=November 15, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=November 14, 2014}}</ref> He began the 2015 season with the Charlotte Stone Crabs of the High-A Florida State League, but underwent surgery in May to repair a broken hamate bone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tbo.com/sports/rays/rays-notes-mcgee-could-join-club-this-week-20150512/|title=Rays Notes: McGee could join club this week|date=May 12, 2015|work=TBO.com|access-date=May 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112619/http://www.tbo.com/sports/rays/rays-notes-mcgee-could-join-club-this-week-20150512/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> He finished the season hitting .290/.343/.360 in 47 games. He returned to Charlotte in 2016, where he finished an injury shortened season hitting .262/.313/.308 in 75 games. Velazquez played for the Montgomery Biscuits of the Double-A Southern League in 2017 and Montgomery and the Durham Bulls of the Triple-A International League in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kinsella |first=Steve |url=https://www.sportstalkflorida.com/featured/tampabay-rays-forgotten-prospect/ |title=Andrew Velazquez, The Forgotten Prospect And The Jeremy Hellickson Trade |publisher=Sportstalkflorida.com |date= May 5, 2018|access-date=September 3, 2018}}</ref>
On September 2, 2018, the Rays promoted Velazquez to the major leagues for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/09/02/for-starters-rays-at-indians-seeking-a-series-win-at-410/ |title=For starters: Rays at Indians, with Andrew Velazquez called up |publisher=Tampabay.com |date=July 26, 2018 |access-date=September 3, 2018}}</ref> He recorded three hits in ten at-bats playing off the bench. Despite only playing {{fraction|34|2|3}} innings and making only one start, Velazquez played at least one inning at six positions (second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, and right field).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/velazan01.shtml|title=Andrew Velazquez Stats {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=October 1, 2018}}</ref>
===Cleveland Indians=== right|thumb|Velazquez with the Cleveland Indians in 2020 On July 3, 2019, the Rays traded Velazquez to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for international bonus pool allotments.<ref>{{cite web |title= Indians' Andrew Velazquez: Sent to Cleveland |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/indians-andrew-velazquez-sent-to-cleveland/amp/ |work= CBS Sports |access-date= July 3, 2019}}</ref> In a corresponding move the Indians designated Chih-Wei Hu for assignment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/indians-chih-wei-hu-designated-for-assignment/|title=Indians' Chih-Wei Hu: Designated for assignment|author=RotoWire Staff|work=CBS Sports|date=July 3, 2019|access-date=July 3, 2019}}</ref> Cleveland assigned Velazquez to the Columbus Clippers of the International League, and promoted him to the major leagues on September 17.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-indians-promote-utl-andrew-velazquez-from-triple-a-columbus | title=Indians promote UTL Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Columbus | website=MLB.com }}</ref> He appeared in five games for Cleveland, registering one hit, a double, in 11 at bats.<ref name=santana/>
Velazquez was designated for assignment on February 14, 2020, when they signed Domingo Santana.<ref name=santana>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2020/02/cleveland-indians-sign-of-domingo-santana-to-15-million-one-year-deal-with-club-option.html|title=Cleveland Indians sign OF Domingo Santana to $1.5 million one-year deal with club option|date=February 14, 2020|website=cleveland|accessdate=June 10, 2022}}</ref>
===Baltimore Orioles=== Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on February 19, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Todd |first1=Jeff |title=Orioles Claim Andrew Velazquez, Designate Richard Urena |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/02/orioles-claim-andrew-velazquez-designate-richard-urena.html |publisher=MLBTradeRumors.com |date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> In 2020 for the Orioles, Velazquez slashed .159/.274/.206 with no home runs and three RBI.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/andrew-velazquez-623205?stats=career-r-hitting-mlb&year=2020 |title=Andrew Velazquez Stats, Fantasy & News |work=MLB.com |date= |accessdate=August 9, 2021}}</ref> On October 29, Velazquez was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-orioles-roster-moves-10-29-2020 |title=Press release: Orioles roster moves 10/29/2020 |work=Mlb.com |date= |accessdate=August 9, 2021}}</ref> He became a free agent on November 2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/full-list-of-2020-2021-milb-free-agents/|title=Full List of 2020-2021 Minor League Baseball Free Agents|first=Chris|last=Hilburn-Trenkle|website=www.baseballamerica.com|date=November 2, 2020 }}</ref>
===New York Yankees=== On December 16, 2020, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees organization.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mark Polishuk |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/12/yankees-sign-andrew-velazquez-to-minors-contract.html |title=Yankees Sign Andrew Velazquez To Minors Contract |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=December 16, 2020 |accessdate=August 9, 2021}}</ref> On July 16, 2021, Velazquez was released by the Yankees organization, but re-signed with the team the next day on a new minor league deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/#month=7&year=2021 |title=Major League Baseball Transactions | MLB.com |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date= |accessdate=August 9, 2021}}</ref> On August 9, the Yankees promoted Velazquez to the major leagues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2021/08/yankees-royals-lineups-monday-dj-lemahieu-out-of-leadoff-spot-andrew-velazquez-at-ss-jameson-taillon-on-mound.html|title=Yankees, Royals lineups Monday: DJ LeMahieu out of leadoff spot, Andrew Velazquez at SS, Jameson Taillon on mound|first=Brendan |last=Kuty |website=NJ.com|date=August 9, 2021 |access-date=2024-04-24}}</ref> Playing for the Yankees was a dream come true for Velazquez. He had grown up idolizing Derek Jeter.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Kavitha A. |date=Aug 20, 2021 |title=The emergence of Andrew Velazquez: Five-borough representative and real-life American dreamer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2780067/2021/08/20/the-emergence-of-andrew-velazquez-five-borough-representative-and-real-life-american-dreamer/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On August 10, Velazquez scored his first Yankees run on a wild pitch.{{cn|date=June 2022}}
In seven at bats in a series against the Boston Red Sox, Velazquez tallied three run-scoring hits with 4 RBI, (one run of his own, and a stolen base). After closing out the final game with a diving catch at shortstop and a difficult throw to first base from deep in the hole, his teammates awarded him the well-deserved "game belt" in recognition of his contributions to the series sweep that saw the team move into first place of the Wild Card standings; two games ahead of the rival Red Sox.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Phillips|first=Gary|date=August 20, 2021|title=A Bronx Kid Is Living Something Wilder Than His Dreams|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/20/sports/baseball/andrew-velazquez-yankees.html|access-date=August 22, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
On August 21, Velazquez hit his first career home run during a home game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium off pitcher Ralph Garza.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 22, 2021|title=Andrew Velazquez's first home run adds to 'surreal' Yankees story|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/andrew-velazquez-first-home-run-yankees|access-date=August 22, 2021|website=New York Post|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 21, 2021|title=Andrew Velazquez's first home run adds to 'surreal' Yankees story|url=https://nypost.com/2021/08/21/yankees-andrew-velazquez-hits-first-home-run-as-parents-watch/|access-date=August 22, 2021|website=New York Post|language=en-US}}</ref>
On September 11, following the team’s victory over the New York Mets, Velazquez was demoted to the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He was recalled to the Yankees prior to the penultimate game of the regular season on October 2.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2021/10/yankees-rays-lineups-saturday-andrew-velazquez-called-up-in-at-ss-with-dj-lemahieu-dealing-with-sports-hernia.html | title=Yankees, Rays lineups Saturday | Andrew Velazquez called up, in at SS with DJ LeMahieu dealing with sports hernia (10/2/21) | date=October 2, 2021 }}</ref>
===Los Angeles Angels=== On November 5, 2021, Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2021-11-05/angels-claim-andrew-velazquez-brendon-davis-roster-mlb|title=Angels bolster infield depth by adding Andrew Velazquez, Brendon Davis to roster|date=November 5, 2021|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> He opened the 2022 season with the Salt Lake Bees of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League and was promoted to the major leagues on April 12 to be the starting shortstop after David Fletcher was injured.<ref name=latimes>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2022-05-30/angels-andrew-velazquez-bronx-dad-yankees|title=His dad was a cop in the Bronx, but it was baseball that saved Andrew Velazquez|first=Mike|last=DiGiovanna|date=May 30, 2022|website=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=July 13, 2022}}</ref> On September 13, 2022, during a game against the Cleveland Guardians, Velazquez suffered a right meniscus tear, ending his season. In 125 games, Velazquez batted .196/.236/.304 with 9 home runs and 28 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fletcher |first1=Jeff |title=Angels shortstop Andrew Velazquez headed for season-ending surgery |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2022/09/14/angels-shortstop-andrew-velazquez-headed-for-season-ending-surgery/ |website=Orange County Register |date=September 14, 2022}}</ref>
On March 1, 2023, Velazquez gave up switch hitting and focused primarily on being a right-handed hitter. He has since gone back to being a switch hitter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Angels' Andrew Velazquez: Done with switch hitting|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/angels-andrew-velazquez-done-with-switch-hitting/|access-date=2023-03-25|website=cbssports.com|date=March 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Velazquez was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake to begin the 2023 season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Angels' Andrew Velazquez: Optioned to Triple-A level|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/angels-andrew-velazquez-optioned-to-triple-a-level/|access-date=2023-03-25|website=cbssports.com|date=March 24, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In 54 games for the Angels, he hit .173/.264/.284 with 2 home runs, 3 RBI, and 13 stolen bases.
===Atlanta Braves=== On September 5, 2023, Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Atlanta Braves claim Andrew Velazquez off of waivers; Yonny Chirinos' season is over|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/transactions/atlanta-braves-claim-andrew-velazquez-off-of-waivers|access-date=September 5, 2023|website=si.com|date=September 5, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In 14 games for the Triple–A Gwinnett Stripers, he hit .217/.266/.250 with no home runs and four RBI. Following the season on November 1, Velazquez was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple–A Gwinnett.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Braves lose Sam Hilliard on waiver claim, outright Ben Heller and Andrew Velazquez|url=https://www.batterypower.com/2023/11/1/23942487/atlanta-braves-lose-sam-hilliard-on-waiver-claim-outright-ben-heller-and-andrew-velazquez|access-date=November 1, 2023|website=batterypower.com|date=November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> However, Velazquez rejected the assignment and elected free agency.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Andrew Velazquez: Becomes free agent|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/andrew-velazquez-becomes-free-agent/|access-date=November 5, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=November 3, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
On November 24, 2023, Velazquez re-signed with the Braves on a minor league contract.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/roster/transactions | title=Transactions | website=MLB.com }}</ref> He played in 118 games for Gwinnett in 2024, slashing .242/.298/.394 with 16 home runs, 48 RBI, and 33 stolen bases. Velazquez elected free agency following the season on November 4, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}</ref>
===New York Yankees (second stint)=== On January 3, 2025, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New York Yankees Reunite With Andrew Velazquez on Minor League Deal|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/new-york-yankees-reunite-with-andrew-velazquez-on-minor-league-deal-john9|access-date=January 3, 2025|website=si.com|language=en}}</ref> He was released on August 3,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-08-03|title=Transactions|website=MiLB.com}}</ref> but re-signed with the organization on a new minor league contract on August 14.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yankees Re-Sign Andrew Velazquez|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/yankees-re-sign-andrew-velazquez.html|access-date=August 16, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> In 106 appearances for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Velazquez batted .242/.304/.345 with five home runs, 41 RBI, and 25 stolen bases. He elected free agency following the season on November 6.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2025|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2025/|access-date=November 28, 2025|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}</ref>
===Arizona Diamondbacks (second stint)=== On December 8, 2025, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rangers Sign Andrew Velazquez To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/12/rangers-sign-andrew-velazquez-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=December 20, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> He was released by the Rangers prior to the start of the regular season on March 26, 2026.<ref>https://www.milb.com/transactions/2026-03-26/p-3</ref>
On April 16, 2026, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.<ref>https://www.milb.com/transactions/2026-04-16/p-2</ref>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} {{baseballstats|mlb=623205|espn=35247|br=v/velazan01|fangraphs=14196|brm=velazq000and|retro=V/Pvelaa001}} *{{twitter|squid718}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Velazquez, Andrew}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:Arizona Complex League Angels players Category:Arizona League Diamondbacks players Category:Arizona League Indians players Category:Baltimore Orioles players Category:Baseball players from the Bronx Category:Charlotte Stone Crabs players Category:Cleveland Indians players Category:Columbus Clippers players Category:Criollos de Caguas players Category:Durham Bulls players Category:Fordham Preparatory School alumni Category:Gulf Coast Rays players Category:Gwinnett Stripers players Category:Indios de Mayagüez players Category:Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente infielders Category:Los Angeles Angels players Category:Major League Baseball infielders Category:Missoula Osprey players Category:Montgomery Biscuits players Category:New York Yankees players Category:Reno Aces players Category:Salt Lake Bees players Category:Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders players Category:South Bend Silver Hawks players Category:Tampa Bay Rays players Category:People from Morris Park, Bronx