Ex-Cardinals Slugger Cut by Astros, Should St. Louis Bring Him Back?
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Ex-Cardinals Slugger Cut by Astros, Should St. Louis Bring Him Back?
Sep 29, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Nelson Velazquez (30) reacts after hitting a two run home run in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Patrick McAvoy·St. Louis Cardinals On SI
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3 min read
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TheSt. Louis Cardinalsmay not be among the most aggressive teams in baseball heading into free agency, but that doesn't mean that the club isn't going to bring some cheap, depth pieces to town.
St. Louis made moves like that a year ago inChaim Bloom's first offseasonas the president of baseball operations for the Cardinals. Now, a year later and further along in the rebuild, the Cardinals should be willing to do a bit more. Thebiggest needs for St. Louisare bullpen arms, a veteran starter and potentially someonewho can play third base.But we'll likely see other moves as well. In the offseason, you also tend to see minor league deals and other smaller depth moves as well. For the Cardinals, they should consider a reunion with an old friend in this vein.
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On Tuesday,Brian McTaggart ofMLB.comreported that former Cardinals outfielder Nelson Velazquez has been released by the Houston Astros to pursue opportunities in Asia.
The Cardinals Should Pursue Nelson Velazquez
Sep 2, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Nelson Velazquez (30) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
If he ends up looking for a minor league deal stateside, Velazquez is someone the Cardinals should look to bring back into the organization.
Last offseason, the Cardinals brought him to town on a minor league deal. He was one of thebreakout stars of Spring Trainingand there was a real argument that he should've made the Opening Day roster. But the Cardinalssent him to Triple-Ato kick off the season. He brought some pop to the Cardinals' organization. Velazquez hit seven home runs and drove in 22 runs in 40 games in Triple-A. Then, he hit four home runs and drove in 12 runs with the Cardinals in the majors. The Cardinals designated him for assignment in August and hequickly landed with the Astros.
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In Houston, Velazquez hit two home runs and drove in six runs in 18 games played. When it comes to Velazquez, he's someone who has legit power and was a good depth piece in the Cardinals' organization in 2026. If he ends up not going to Asia, St. Louis should be all over him once again.
The Cardinals already know who he is and what he brings to the table. At the end of the day, he likely wouldn't cost more than a minor league deal, if he stays in the US. This wouldn't be the type of deal that completely moves the needle, but it would bring solid depth back to town.
