The Houston Astros have not been playing good baseball as of late, and it’s a miracle they are still sitting in first place in the AL West with a 65-66 record.
Houston has lost each of its last two series (to the Angels and Athletics). Both of those series were supposed to be an opportunity for the Astros to find their identity again, but instead it’s been a disaster, especially considering both the Angels and Athletics series were played in Houston.
However, with that being said, news surfaced after the Astros-Athletics series finale that player Nelson Velázquez has elected free agency after being let go from the organization.
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Nelson Velázquez Now a Free Agent After Being Cut
GettyST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JULY 6: Nelson Velázquez #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits an RBI single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at Busch Stadium on July 6, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
After being let go by the Astros, Nelson Velázquez is not free to sign with any MLB club.
He was cut by the Astros three days ago to make room for infielder Raynel Delgado, and he has since cleared waivers and has decided to part ways with the Astros organization instead of accepting an outright assignment to the minors.
It’s entirely plausible that Velázquez returns to the organization on a minors pact, but it’s clear he’d rather take his chances on being picked up by another team.
With the Astros, Velázquez has gone 0-for-4 in 5 PA’s
MLBTR.com’s Darragh McDonald was quick to the news and wrote:
“Since the trade deadline has passed, Velázquez will have to be placed on waivers. It’s possible he garners interest as a platoon bat, as that was seemingly why the Astros grabbed him. In 88 plate appearances this year, mostly with the Cardinals, he has a subpar .205/.273/.410 line on the whole. However, the righty-swinging Velázquez has four homers on the year, all against lefties.”
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Taking a Look at Nelson Velazquez’s MLB Career
GettyST LOUIS, MISSOURI – MAY 31: Nelson Velazquez #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals catches a fly ball hit by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning at Busch Stadium on May 31, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
Nelson Velazquez came up with the Chicago Cubs in 2022, and has played in parts of four MLB seasons.
Over 630 total MLB ABs, he carries a lifetime batting average of .211 with 35 home runs and 100 RBI. His OPS+ also sits at 97.
In 2026, split between the Cardinals and Astros, he’s batted .205 over 78 at-bats with four home runs, four doubles, and 13 RBI, which is good for an OPS+ of 92.
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Houston Astros Player Elects Free Agency After Release from Organization