​Former Phillies starter Vince Velasquez has left the Chicago Cubs to explore MLB free agency after being designated for assignment and choosing not to accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa. According to MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco, Velasquez elected free agency instead of remaining with the organization, marking the second time he has opted for free agency after being outrighted by the Cubs. He had previously re-signed on a minor league contract, and this time Velasquez’s first season with some MLB action in three years yielded two Cubs appearances, totaling 3.1 innings with one strikeout and one hit allowed. The 34-year-old former Phillies rotation veteran from 2016 to 2021 never posted an ERA below 4.85 during his time in Philadelphia. Franco noted that Velasquez could rejoin the Cubs on a minor league contract in the near future, or another team might take a chance on him. As the Cubs pursue their pitching needs amid injuries, Velasquez’s next destination remains uncertain.