​In Los Angeles, California on April 25, Vince Velasquez, wearing number 56 for the Chicago Cubs, worked from the mound in relief during the eighth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. The moment captured by photographer Harry How of Getty Images marks Velasquez’s appearance in a Cubs uniform at this early-season meeting with the Dodgers in 2026. After a brief stint with Chicago, Velasquez has moved on to a new organization, agreeing to a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals, according to his MLB.com profile page.
Earlier, the Cubs designated Velasquez for assignment late last month, and he chose free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa after clearing waivers. The move comes as Velasquez sought a fresh start after a season that saw him log only two appearances for Chicago in 2026, surrendering 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Prior to his brief Cubs tenure, Velasquez had not pitched in the major leagues since 2023, a gap extended by a 2024 season lost to Tommy John surgery. He then spent the 2025 season within the Cleveland Guardians’ system and briefly in the Korea Baseball Organization.
Now 34, Velasquez has an extensive professional history. A former Phillies pitcher from 2016 to 2021, Velasquez began his major league career with the Houston Astros, who selected him in the second round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Garey High School in Pomona, California. Early expectations were high for Velasquez, who was once regarded as a top-100 prospect by MLB Pipeline and Baseball Prospectus. In his lone solid season with Houston in 2015, Velasquez posted a 4.37 ERA across 55 2/3 innings over 19 appearances, including seven starts, after breaking into the majors as a rookie in 2015.
During his time in Philadelphia, Velasquez compiled a 4.93 ERA with 642 strikeouts and 243 walks across 582 2/3 innings in 133 appearances (116 starts). The Phillies designated him for assignment in September 2021, and he was released shortly thereafter. Within days, Velasquez signed a minor-league deal with the San Diego Padres, continuing his professional journey.
As this latest chapter unfolds, Velasquez’s career arc continues to show the volatility and resilience that have characterized his time in baseball. The move to Kansas City adds another layer to a career that has featured both high expectations and hard-fought comebacks. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Velasquez responds to this new opportunity in the Royals organization and whether he can recapture the form that once made him a notable figure in the major leagues.
More to come as this story develops. This article originally appeared on HEAVY, and it remains part of HEAVY’s ongoing coverage of former Philadelphia Phillies players and their evolving careers.