​MESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 17: Vincent Velasquez, wearing number 58 for the Chicago Cubs, poses for a portrait during photo day at Sloan Park on February 17, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. The image, captured by Chris Coduto for Getty Images, accompanies a report about the Cubs as they prepare to begin their final MLB series before the All-Star break, a high-stakes NL Central showdown against the Cincinnati Reds. In the lead-up to that clash, Chicago also faced developments involving a former Cubs pitcher who recently joined another organization.
According to MLB.com’s transactions tracker, Vince Velasquez, previously with the Cubs, has signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals and has been assigned to Triple-A Omaha. MLB.com confirmed the move with the note: “Kansas City Royals signed free agent RHP Vince Velasquez to a minor league contract.” NBC Sports’ coverage, published on July 10, explained Velasquez’s path: at 34 years old, the right-hander elected free agency at the end of June rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa from the Cubs. The Royals now add depth to their pitching staff, and Velasquez could find an opportunity with the big league club relatively soon.
Velasquez has a long MLB résumé spanning more than a decade. He’s pitched in parts of ten seasons, with his most recent big-league appearances coming this year for the Cubs. After being released by Chicago, Velasquez elected free agency and subsequently joined the Royals’ organization. In Chicago, he appeared twice in relief, totaling 3.1 innings without allowing a run. Those appearances reflected Velasquez’s role as a depth option to be recalled from the minors when the team needed a flexible arm.
Throughout the season, the Cubs had shown a pattern of moving Velasquez on and off their roster, including brief stints where he was designated for assignment and then re-signed. Ultimately, the two sides decided to part ways on a more permanent basis. This marks Velasquez’s exit from the Cubs and his transition to a new organization, where he will continue his quest to contribute at the major league level.
In terms of career metrics, Velasquez’s numbers reflect a pitcher who has spent significant time in the majors. His win-loss record stands at 38-51, with an earned run average around 4.86 across roughly 767 innings, and more than 140 starts to his name. If he makes a major league appearance for the Royals, it would represent his seventh organization in the big leagues. Velasquez’s most notable stretch came with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent six seasons as a dependable, if sometimes imperfect, back-end starter. In recent years, scouts and analysts have begun to view him more as a reliever than a traditional starter, a role that could suit him as he seeks to extend his MLB career with Kansas City.
Velasquez’s last prior MLB action before signing with the Cubs was with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. Since then, he has navigated a career marked by movement between teams, occasional flashes of effectiveness, and a willingness to adapt to new roles as teams seek bullpen depth and a right-handed option out of the bullpen.
For Cubs fans following the team’s current season, the Velasquez move is another example of the volatility and frequent roster shuffles that can occur in a long campaign. It also underscores the ongoing effort to balance development, depth, and immediate needs as the Cubs chase strong results during the summer months and beyond. The Royals, meanwhile, add another arm to a pitching staff that has varied in performance this season, with Velasquez presenting an opportunity to contribute either in long relief or in shorter outings depending on how he earns his way into Kansas City’s plan.
This article first appeared on HEAVY and was later updated to reflect Velasquez’s signing with the Kansas City Royals. For more MLB updates, news, and analysis, follow HEAVY’s ongoing coverage of the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds, and other major league developments.