What's Happening?
The New York Yankees have re-signed journeyman infielder Andrew Velazquez to a minor league contract. Velazquez, who previously played for the Yankees in 2021, has returned to the team after testing the market for a few weeks following his release from a prior minor league deal. He will rejoin the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team. Velazquez has spent six years in the major leagues, playing for five different teams from 2018 to 2023. During his major league career, he has achieved a batting average of .189, with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs over 624 plate appearances. His previous stint with the Yankees saw him appear in 28 games, where he hit .224 with one home run and six RBIs over 68 plate appearances.
Why It's Important?
The re-signing of Andrew Velazquez provides the Yankees with additional infield depth, which is crucial for managing player injuries and maintaining team performance throughout the season. Velazquez's experience with multiple teams and his familiarity with the Yankees' system could prove beneficial in filling gaps as needed. This move reflects the Yankees' strategy to bolster their roster with versatile players who can contribute both in the minor leagues and potentially at the major league level. For Velazquez, this contract offers another opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the major league roster.
What's Next?
Velazquez will begin his tenure with the Yankees at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he will aim to perform well and possibly earn a call-up to the major league team. The Yankees will monitor his progress and evaluate his potential contribution to the major league roster, especially if injuries or performance issues arise among current infielders. Velazquez's performance in the minor leagues will be crucial in determining his future with the Yankees and his chances of returning to the major league level.
