What's Happening?
The New York Yankees have signed Andrew Velazquez to a minor-league contract to address depth issues in their infield and outfield. Velazquez, a utility infielder/outfielder, previously played for the Yankees in 2021 and has experience with several other MLB teams, including the Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Cleveland Guardians. His career batting average stands at .189 over 275 major-league games. Velazquez, originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks, has returned to the Yankees after a brief stint with the Atlanta Braves organization. The Yankees are currently dealing with injuries to key players such as Aaron Judge, Amed Rosario, and Paul Goldschmidt, necessitating additional depth in their roster.
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Why It's Important?
The signing of Andrew Velazquez is significant for the Yankees as they navigate a period of injuries affecting their star players. Velazquez's versatility in playing multiple positions, including shortstop, second base, third base, and outfield, provides the team with valuable options. His speed, demonstrated by 23 stolen bases this year, adds another dimension to the Yankees' strategy, especially in the absence of regular outfielders. While Velazquez may not immediately join the major-league roster, his presence in the organization offers a potential solution should the Yankees need to expand their roster or cover for further injuries.
What's Next?
Velazquez's role with the Yankees will likely be determined by the team's injury situation and roster needs. Although not added to the 40-man roster, he could be called up if the Yankees decide to expand their roster in the coming weeks. His ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in case of emergencies, particularly in the outfield. The Yankees will continue to monitor the recovery of their injured players, which will influence Velazquez's potential involvement at the major-league level.
