Astros turn to former Cubs slugging prospect to solve elusive roster need

Even after the trade deadline, the Houston Astros have a need for an outfielder capable of holding their own against left-handed pitching. Over the weekend, the Astros were connected to Austin Hays and Jorge Soler, but they are taking a flier on a former Chicago Cubs slugging prospect who has bounced around in recent seasons.

The Athletic's Chandler Rome reports that the Astros have claimed outfielder Nelson Velázquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. Making room for Velázquez on the 40-man roster, the Astros have designated Shay Whitcomb for assignment.

Velázquez turn heads during his ascension through Chicago's system, considering the raw power that was present in his approach. There wasn't much playing time available with the Cubs, leading to Velázquez being traded to the Kansas City Royals during the 2023 season. He found success in Kansas City initially, hitting 14 home runs in 40 games, but struggled to find consistency in 2024.

After splitting the 2025 season with the Triple-A affiliates of the Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates, he returned to the major this season with the St. Louis Cardinals. The power was present, considering he hit 4 home runs in 34 games, but he was also striking out over 30% of the time.

Astros keep retreading the same playbook with Nelson Velázquez waiver claim

For whatever reason, Dana Brown continues to take an obscure approach to addressing a need the Astros have had for much of the past year. Rather than prioritize adding an outfielder with established success against left-handed pitching, Brown has opted for fliers that if you squint, might be able to find success.

That's the best way to describe Velázquez's addition to the Astros. It could work, but it's a very narrow approach in which they have to use him. For his career, the 27-year-old boasts an OPS of .739 against southpaws, including a wRC+ of 105. For where the Astros are in their season, it's a flier worth taking, but this is a need that should have been addressed by now. Beyond being a bench bat against lefties, Velázquez doesn't add much value.

Velázquez's arrival almost certainly will take the Astros out of the bidding for Jorge Soler. At this point, they are the same player. If pressed, perhaps the better play would have been gambling on Soler's track record, but this is the situation the Astros have been in this year. Brown may not have much autonomy to make moves of consequence, leaving him grasping at straws to find temporary fixes.

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