The Houston Astros claimed right-handed outfielder Nelson Velazquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, adding some pop to a lineup that’s been heavy on lefties in the outfield.
The move addresses a clear need. Daulton Varsho, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Taylor Trammell all swing from the left side, leaving Houston short on right-handed options.
To make room, the Astros designated infielder/outfielder Shay Whitcomb for assignment.
Velazquez isn’t winning any Gold Gloves in left or right field, but he’s got legitimate power. The 27-year-old crushed 17 home runs in just 53 games between the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals back in 2023.
This season’s been tougher. In 34 games with the Cardinals, he hit .216/.289/.432 with four homers and a concerning 30.1% strikeout rate. That’s the kind of swing-and-miss profile that can be frustrating, but the Astros are clearly betting on the power upside.
Houston didn’t address this need at the trade deadline, instead focusing on acquiring Varsho. Now they’re taking a flier on a guy who’s shown he can take pitchers deep when he connects.
Other right-handed options like Austin Hays have already found new homes, while Rob Refsnyder remains available as a free agent after his release. But for now, the Astros are rolling with Velazquez as their answer to the lefty-heavy outfield mix.
It’s a low-risk move that could pay off if Velazquez can find that 2023 form again. And if not? They didn’t give up much to find out.
