SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 07: Manager Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros reacts before the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Before Monday’s game, the Astros reportedly signed a four-year MLB player to a big-league contract.
Houston Astros Sign 4-Year MLB Player Nelson Velázquez Before Yankees Series
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 12: Nelson Velazquez #30 of the Houston Astros hits an RBI sacrifice fly ball in the top of the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 12, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Astros claimed Velázquez, an outfielder, off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Aug. 10.
Houston designated him for assignment last Thursday. In three games with Houston, Velázquez went 0-for-4 with an RBI and a strikeout.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 10: Nelson Velázquez #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 10, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Velázquez cleared waivers and elected free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Now, he is back with the Astros organization.
More About Astros’ Nelson Velázquez
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)
Velázquez made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2022.
In 77 games with the Cubs in 2022, Velázquez hit .205/.286/.373 with six home runs, seven doubles, three triples and 26 RBI.
After just 13 games with the Cubs in 2023, Velázquez was traded to the Kansas City Royals.
In 53 games between the Cubs and Royals in 2023, Velázquez hit .235/.302/.586 with 17 home runs and 34 RBI.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 07: Nelson Velazquez #4 of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on September 07, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Velázquez posted a lowly .640 OPS with the Royals in 2024.
The Royals released Velázquez early in the 2025 season.
Velázquez signed with the Pirates in Sept. 2025. He didn’t return to the majors until he played with the Cardinals this season.
He posted a .721 OPS over 34 games with the Cardinals this year before joining the Astros.
Houston Astros Right Now
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 21: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros hits a RBI double in the fifth inning against the Athletics at Daikin Park on August 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Brown’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 16: Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown looks on before Game Two of the Championship Series against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on October 16, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
It’s still surprising the two parties parted ways midseason, especially since the Astros are in first place in the American League West.
Houston may be in first place, but the club is one game below .500.
Jackson Kruse Jackson Kruse covers Major League Baseball for Heavy Sports. He is also the site expert for FanSided's Minnesota Twins site, Puckett's Pond, and writes for Nolan Writin', FanSided's Texas Rangers site. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media from Texas State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Before joining Heavy Sports and FanSided, he served as sports editor of The University Star, Texas State University's student-run newspaper. More about Jackson Kruse
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Houston Astros Sign 4-Year MLB Player Before Yankees Series
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The Houston Astros have reportedly signed a four-year MLB player to a big-league contract before the Yankees series.
Houston Astros Sign 4-Year MLB Player Before Yankees Series