The New York Yankees have signed infielder Andrew Velazquez to a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training, as reported by Jack Curry of YES Network. A native of New York, Velazquez played for the Yankees in 2021, where he hit his first career home run and won the hearts of fans as a lifelong Yankees supporter from the Bronx.
Although he’s not expected to be at the top of the team’s infield depth chart, the 30-year-old veteran offers additional depth at the upper levels of the Minor Leagues, which is particularly important after the Yankees traded Caleb Durbin to the Brewers.
Velazquez returns to the Yankees after providing a spark during the team’s 13-game winning streak in 2021, which helped them barely make the postseason. Known more for his defensive skills and speed rather than his bat, the switch-hitting shortstop could prove valuable in a bench role, especially if the team secures a solid everyday starter at third or second base.
However, Velazquez’s deal doesn’t guarantee a spot on the Yankees’ 40-man roster. He will need to impress during Spring Training if he hopes to earn a spot on the bench. Following the trade of Caleb Durbin, the Yankees’ infield depth in Triple-A has become thinner, with Oswald Peraza, who is out of Minor League options, now unable to be stashed away in Triple-A without being placed on waivers in case of injury.
Andrew Velazquez
After a busy December, January has been relatively quiet for the Yankees, with most of their roster needs addressed in terms of both lineup and pitching. The team still needs to add a second baseman or third baseman, ideally one with a high on-base percentage to fill the gap at the top of the lineup.
Additionally, a left-handed reliever is likely on their radar, as the Yankees currently lack one on their 40-man roster. They have been linked to veterans Tim Hill and Andrew Chafin, both of whom could provide a reliable option to face left-handed hitters while holding their own against righties. Trading Marcus Stroman also seems likely, as the right-hander is due $18.3 million in 2025 and doesn’t currently fit into the rotation.
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