Astros Release Nelson Velazquez

The Astros have moved on from veteran outfielder Nelson Velazquez, relays Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. He plans to pursue opportunities in Asia.

The 27-year-old Velazquez opened the 2026 campaign in the Cardinals system. He had his contract selected in late May. Velazquez compiled a .722 OPS across 34 games in St. Louis. He showed solid power but also struck out more than 30% of the time.

The Cardinals designated Velazquez for assignment in early August. Houston added him via waiver claim. Velazquez went 3-for-27 with 13 strikeouts in his brief time as an Astro. Two of his three hits were home runs. Houston DFAed Velazquez after a week and a half on the roster. He cleared waivers and elected free agency, then re-upped with the organization on a minor league deal.

Velazquez, a former prospect of note in the Cubs system, has put up strong slugging numbers at each major league stop. He has 37 homers and a .221 ISO in 728 MLB plate appearances. Making consistent contact has been the main drawback. Velazquez has a career 29.5% strikeout rate supported by a massive 16.1% swinging-strike rate.

The Cubs tried Velazquez in center field when he first debuted. He struggled there and has resided in the corner outfield spots since then. He’s mostly been a subpar defender in left and right field as well. Velazquez posted -4 Defensive Runs Saved in 151 1/3 innings on the grass this past season.

Velazquez will head overseas in search of consistent playing time. The reports of his release didn’t mention specific intentions, but there’s a good chance he already has his next team lined up.