Cardinals promote former Cubs, Royals .719 OPS outfielder

The St. Louis Cardinals are adding some power to their bench. 

On Friday, the NL Central club announced that they have promoted a three-year Major Leaguer from Triple-A. 

Outfielder Neslon Velazquez will join the Cardinals for their upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. 

The 27-year-old last played in MLB in 2024 with the Kansas City Royals and hit .232 with seven home runs to go along with a .764 OPS in 40 games at Triple-A Memphis before the promotion. 

Strikeout troubles have hindered Velazquez's development as a hitter in affiliated baseball. He was called out on strikes 48 times in 163 trips to the plate in Triple-A. 

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In all likelihood, most of his playing time with the Cardinals will come as a fourth outfielder or pinch hitter. St. Louis could be searching for more power on the bench. 

In 2023, Velazquez hit a career-high 17 homers in just 53 games, split between the Chicago Cubs and Royals. 

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