News - Diamondbacks Acquire Versatile Infielder Andrew Velazquez

The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a strategic step in bolstering their roster by signing 31-year-old infielder Andrew Velazquez to a minor league contract. Represented by CAA Sports, Velazquez's recent signing was made public through an announcement by Arizona’s Triple-A team. Velazquez, who was previously a part of the Texas Rangers on a non-roster contract, participated in 16 games during his stint in Spring Training. Unfortunately, his performance—with a batting average of just .111 and a minimal output over 32 plate appearances—led to his release at the end of March. His journey through free agency has now landed him in Arizona. Though Velazquez has not seen major league action since 2023, where he played with the Los Angeles Angels, his recent baseball years were spent at the Triple-A level. Across different clubs such as the Braves and Yankees from 2024 to 2025, his performance reflects a consistent challenge in reaching beyond minor league averages with his batting. In his 2025 season with the Yankees’ top affiliate, Velazquez held a batting line of .242/.304/.345 embodied with a 74 wRC+. Although his power metrics dipped over the years, his swift base running ability offers a strategic advantage, having amassed 58 stolen bases across 224 minor league games since 2024. Defensively, Velazquez is recognized for his primary role at shortstop during his time in the majors. Notably, he recorded 11 Defensive Runs Saved and 3 Outs Above Average over 906 innings in 2022 with the Angels, yet experienced a downturn in defensive metrics the following year in a smaller sample size. Along with his shortstop responsibilities, he has diversified his defensive experience further at the minor-league level, exploring outfield assignments. Arizona embraces this flexibility, listing him as a utility player. This acquisition serves as a no-risk augmentation to the Diamondbacks' current lineup. The infield is already fortified with key talents like Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte, who secure shortstop and second base, respectively. While both players have not performed to their fullest potential early in the season, Perdomo is fresh into a new contract reflecting faith in his potential, and Marte’s established prowess at second base provides reliable stability. Meanwhile, veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado is encountering adversities with his form; however, his longstanding career achievements afford him continued time to adjust. Andrew Velazquez joins as an auxiliary asset, principally as a contingency defensive call-up in reaction to any unforeseen injuries among the primary roster, adding a dynamic, reliable layer to the club's strategic contingency planning.