The major storyline surrounding the Chicago Cubs this season has centered on their pitching staff.
While injuries have undoubtedly disrupted the team’s starting rotation, the National League Central club still holds a Wild Card position.
On Tuesday, the Cubs saw a seasoned pitcher become a free agent, after the right-hander turned down an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa, following his designation for assignment on Sunday.
Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors reported that Vince Velasquez has chosen free agency over staying within the Cubs’ system.
Franco noted that this marks the second time Velasquez has opted for free agency after being outrighted by Chicago, adding that he quickly re-signed on a minor-league deal the previous time. He suggested that a similar outcome is likely again, pointing out that this is Velasquez’s first season with major-league action in three years.
Across two appearances with the Cubs, Velasquez logged 3.1 innings, striking out one batter while surrendering just one hit.
Between 2016 and 2021, the 34-year-old was part of the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation, though he never recorded an ERA under 4.85 during that stretch.
As Franco indicated, Velasquez could very well return to the Cubs within the coming days on another minor-league contract.
Alternatively, another team might see a potential opportunity and decide to give him a shot.
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