Just days before pitchers and catchers report, a familiar name from the Phillies’ rebuilding era quietly resurfaced on the transaction wire.
Jul 24, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (21) during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Vince Velasquez has signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs, signaling another attempt to return to the major leagues.
Now thirty-three, Velasquez comes back stateside after a brief and uneven stint with the Lotte Giants in South Korea’s KBO League.
For Phillies fans, his name recalls a long stretch of difficult seasons where stability mattered more than dominance.
Velasquez spent six seasons in Philadelphia, serving as a dependable rotation piece when expectations were limited and patience was required.
Acquired from Houston, he made over one hundred starts, including a heavy workload during the 2018 campaign.
His Phillies career began with promise, highlighted by a dominant sixteen-strikeout performance early in his first season.
That initial success, however, proved difficult to sustain as injuries and inconsistency slowly took their toll.
His most productive year came in 2016, when he logged over one hundred thirty innings with solid strikeout totals.
Over six seasons, Velasquez compiled respectable volume but uneven results, reflecting the turbulence of the era he pitched through.
One of his most memorable moments came unexpectedly, when he recorded an outfield assist as a pitcher during extra innings.
That unusual play became a rare highlight during an otherwise forgettable stretch of Phillies baseball.
Philadelphia ultimately moved on in 2021, designating Velasquez for assignment as the roster turned toward contention.
Since then, he has bounced between organizations, with his last major league appearance coming in 2023.
His overseas numbers were rough, though he showed flashes of effectiveness in minor league action last season.
Now in Cubs camp, Velasquez faces long odds but a clear opportunity.
Chicago offers a competitive environment where depth arms can still find meaningful roles.
If health and velocity cooperate, Velasquez may yet earn another chapter at the game’s highest level.
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