# Andrew Velazquez > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Andrew_Velazquez > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Andrew_Velazquez.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Velazquez > Source revision: 1351854147 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{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](/source/Infielder) |team = Arizona Diamondbacks |number = |bats = Switch |throws = Right |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|7|14}} |birth_place = [The Bronx](/source/The_Bronx), [New York](/source/New_York_(state)), U.S. |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = September 2 |debutyear = 2018 |debutteam = Tampa Bay Rays |statleague = MLB |statyear = 2023 season |stat1label = [Batting average](/source/Batting_average_(baseball)) |stat1value = .189 |stat2label = [Home run](/source/Home_run)s |stat2value = 12 |stat3label = [Runs batted in](/source/Runs_batted_in) |stat3value = 40 |teams = * [Tampa Bay Rays](/source/Tampa_Bay_Rays) ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2019}}) * [Cleveland Indians](/source/Cleveland_Indians) ({{mlby|2019}}) * [Baltimore Orioles](/source/Baltimore_Orioles) ({{mlby|2020}}) * [New York Yankees](/source/New_York_Yankees) ({{mlby|2021}}) * [Los Angeles Angels](/source/Los_Angeles_Angels) ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}}) }} '''Andrew Velazquez''' (born July 14, 1994), nicknamed "'''Squid'''", is an American professional [baseball](/source/baseball) [infielder](/source/infielder) in the [Arizona Diamondbacks](/source/Arizona_Diamondbacks) organization. He has previously played in [Major League Baseball](/source/Major_League_Baseball) (MLB) for the [Tampa Bay Rays](/source/Tampa_Bay_Rays), [Cleveland Indians](/source/Cleveland_Indians), [Baltimore Orioles](/source/Baltimore_Orioles), [New York Yankees](/source/New_York_Yankees), and [Los Angeles Angels](/source/Los_Angeles_Angels). ==Early life and career== Velazquez is from [Morris Park](/source/Morris_Park%2C_Bronx) in [the Bronx](/source/the_Bronx), a [borough of New York City](/source/borough_of_New_York_City).{{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}} His father, Kenneth, worked in the [New York City Police Department](/source/New_York_City_Police_Department) as a [detective](/source/detective) and undercover narcotics officer for 20 years. His mother, Margaret, was a school teacher. Velazquez attended [Fordham Preparatory School](/source/Fordham_Preparatory_School), where he played for the school's baseball team. He played as a [center fielder](/source/center_fielder) until his senior year, when he became the team's starting [shortstop](/source/shortstop). In his senior year, the ''[New York Post](/source/New_York_Post)'' named Velazquez their All-Bronx Baseball Player of the Year.{{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}} 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](/source/Virginia_Polytechnic_Institute_and_State_University) (Virginia Tech) to play [college baseball](/source/college_baseball) for the [Virginia Tech Hokies](/source/Virginia_Tech_Hokies). == Professional career == === Arizona Diamondbacks === The [Arizona Diamondbacks](/source/Arizona_Diamondbacks) selected him in the seventh round, with the 243rd overall selection, of the [2012 Major League Baseball draft](/source/2012_Major_League_Baseball_draft).{{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](/source/Daily_News_(New_York))|date=June 5, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}}{{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}} He signed with the Diamondbacks, receiving a $200,000 [signing bonus](/source/signing_bonus), bypassing his commitment to Virginia Tech.{{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}} That year, he made his professional debut with the [Rookie-level](/source/Rookie-level) [Arizona League Diamondbacks](/source/Arizona_League_Diamondbacks) of the [Arizona League](/source/Arizona_League) and the [Missoula Osprey](/source/Missoula_Osprey) of the [Pioneer League](/source/Pioneer_League_(baseball)).{{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](/source/SB_Nation)|date=August 22, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}}{{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](/source/News_12_Networks)|date=September 6, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2014}} {{subscription required|date=September 2014}} In 2013, Velazquez was assigned to the [South Bend Silver Hawks](/source/South_Bend_Silver_Hawks) of the [Single-A](/source/Class_A_(baseball)) [Midwest League](/source/Midwest_League). For the season, he had a .260 [batting average](/source/batting_average_(baseball)), but had almost three times as many [strikeout](/source/strikeout)s as [walks](/source/base_on_balls).{{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}} Returning to South Bend in 2014, Velazquez set a [Minor League Baseball](/source/Minor_League_Baseball) record with his 72nd consecutive game reaching base, breaking the record of 71 set by [Kevin Millar](/source/Kevin_Millar) in 1997 and tied by [Kevin Youkilis](/source/Kevin_Youkilis) in 2003.{{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](/source/CBS_Sports)|first=Mike |last=Axisa | date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=September 5, 2014}}{{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 }} His streak, which lasted from April 22 to July 16, ended at 74 consecutive games.{{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](/source/The_Arizona_Republic)|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2014}} After the season, Velazquez was named the [Midwest League Prospect of the Year](/source/Midwest_League_Prospect_of_the_Year).{{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](/source/Minor_League_Baseball)|date=August 25, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2014}} While playing in the Diamondbacks system, he was given the [nickname](/source/nickname) "Squid".{{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](/source/NJ.com) |publisher=Advance Local Media |language=en |date=August 20, 2021}} === Tampa Bay Rays === [[File:Andrew Velazquez (26829034528).jpg|left|upright=0.8|thumb|Velazquez with the [Tampa Bay Rays](/source/Tampa_Bay_Rays) in 2018]] On November 14, 2014, the Diamondbacks traded Velazquez and [Justin Williams](/source/Justin_Williams_(baseball)) to the [Tampa Bay Rays](/source/Tampa_Bay_Rays) in exchange for [Jeremy Hellickson](/source/Jeremy_Hellickson).{{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}}{{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}} He began the 2015 season with the [Charlotte Stone Crabs](/source/Charlotte_Stone_Crabs) of the [High-A](/source/Class_A-Advanced) [Florida State League](/source/Florida_State_League), but underwent surgery in May to repair a broken [hamate bone](/source/hamate_bone).{{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}} 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](/source/Montgomery_Biscuits) of the [Double-A](/source/Class_AA) [Southern League](/source/Southern_League_(1964%E2%80%93present)) in 2017 and Montgomery and the [Durham Bulls](/source/Durham_Bulls) of the [Triple-A](/source/Class_AAA) [International League](/source/International_League) in 2018.{{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}} On September 2, 2018, the Rays promoted Velazquez to the major leagues for the first time.{{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}} 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](/source/Second_baseman), [shortstop](/source/shortstop), [third base](/source/Third_baseman), [left field](/source/Left_fielder), [center field](/source/Center_fielder), and [right field](/source/Right_fielder)).{{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}} ===Cleveland Indians=== right|thumb|Velazquez with the Cleveland Indians in 2020 On July 3, 2019, the Rays traded Velazquez to the [Cleveland Indians](/source/Cleveland_Indians) in exchange for international bonus pool allotments.{{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}} In a corresponding move the Indians designated [Chih-Wei Hu](/source/Chih-Wei_Hu) for assignment.{{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}} Cleveland assigned Velazquez to the [Columbus Clippers](/source/Columbus_Clippers) of the International League, and promoted him to the major leagues on September 17.{{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](/source/MLB.com) }} He appeared in five games for Cleveland, registering one hit, a [double](/source/double_(baseball)), in 11 [at bat](/source/at_bat)s. Velazquez was designated for assignment on February 14, 2020, when they signed [Domingo Santana](/source/Domingo_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}} ===Baltimore Orioles=== Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the [Baltimore Orioles](/source/Baltimore_Orioles) on February 19, 2020.{{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}} In 2020 for the Orioles, Velazquez slashed .159/.274/.206 with no home runs and three RBI.{{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}} On October 29, Velazquez was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.{{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}} He became a free agent on November 2.{{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 }} ===New York Yankees=== On December 16, 2020, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the [New York Yankees](/source/New_York_Yankees) organization.{{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}} 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.{{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}} On August 9, the Yankees promoted Velazquez to the major leagues.{{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}} Playing for the Yankees was a dream come true for Velazquez. He had grown up idolizing [Derek Jeter](/source/Derek_Jeter).{{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}} 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](/source/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.{{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}} On August 21, Velazquez hit his first career home run during a home game against the [Minnesota Twins](/source/Minnesota_Twins) at [Yankee Stadium](/source/Yankee_Stadium) off pitcher [Ralph Garza](/source/Ralph_Garza).{{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}}{{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}} On September 11, following the team’s victory over the [New York Mets](/source/2021_New_York_Mets_season), Velazquez was demoted to the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, the [Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders](/source/Scranton%2FWilkes-Barre_RailRiders). He was recalled to the Yankees prior to the penultimate game of the regular season on October 2.{{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 }} ===Los Angeles Angels=== On November 5, 2021, Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the [Los Angeles Angels](/source/Los_Angeles_Angels).{{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}} He opened the 2022 season with the [Salt Lake Bees](/source/Salt_Lake_Bees) of the Triple-A [Pacific Coast League](/source/Pacific_Coast_League) and was promoted to the major leagues on April 12 to be the starting shortstop after [David Fletcher](/source/David_Fletcher_(baseball)) was injured.{{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}} On September 13, 2022, during a game against the [Cleveland Guardians](/source/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.{{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](/source/Orange_County_Register) |date=September 14, 2022}} On March 1, 2023, Velazquez gave up [switch hitting](/source/switch_hitter) and focused primarily on being a right-handed hitter. He has since gone back to being a switch hitter.{{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}} Velazquez was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake to begin the 2023 season.{{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}} 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](/source/Atlanta_Braves).{{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}} In 14 games for the Triple–A [Gwinnett Stripers](/source/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.{{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}} However, Velazquez rejected the assignment and elected free agency.{{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}} On November 24, 2023, Velazquez re-signed with the Braves on a minor league contract.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/roster/transactions | title=Transactions | website=[MLB.com](/source/MLB.com) }} 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.{{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}} ===New York Yankees (second stint)=== On January 3, 2025, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the [New York Yankees](/source/New_York_Yankees).{{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}} He was released on August 3,{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-08-03|title=Transactions|website=MiLB.com}} but re-signed with the organization on a new minor league contract on August 14.{{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}} In 106 appearances for the Triple-A [Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders](/source/Scranton%2FWilkes-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.{{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}} ===Arizona Diamondbacks (second stint)=== On December 8, 2025, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the [Texas Rangers](/source/Texas_Rangers_(baseball)).{{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}} He was released by the Rangers prior to the start of the regular season on March 26, 2026.https://www.milb.com/transactions/2026-03-26/p-3 On April 16, 2026, Velazquez signed a minor league contract with the [Arizona Diamondbacks](/source/Arizona_Diamondbacks).https://www.milb.com/transactions/2026-04-16/p-2 ==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 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Andrew Velazquez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Velazquez) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Velazquez?action=history)). 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