Rangers Add Versatile Infielder Andrew Velazquez on Minor League Deal
The Texas Rangers are adding some defensive flexibility to their depth chart, agreeing to a minor league deal with veteran utilityman Andrew Velazquez. The deal includes an invitation to big league spring training, giving Velazquez a shot to compete for a roster spot heading into 2026.
Velazquez, 31, brings a glove-first profile and a wealth of experience across multiple organizations. While he hasn’t appeared in a Major League game since 2023 with the Angels, he stayed active this past season in the Yankees’ system.
Playing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Velazquez showed off his speed with 25 stolen bases and posted a .242/.304/.345 slash line over 106 games. That’s not eye-popping production at the plate, but it’s serviceable when paired with the kind of defensive versatility he brings to the table.
Originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in the seventh round back in 2012, Velazquez has taken the long road through the majors. He was traded to the Rays in the 2014-15 offseason as part of the deal that sent Jeremy Hellickson to Arizona. He made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay in 2018, and while his first stint was brief-just 12 plate appearances-he made them count, slashing .300/.417/.400 in limited action.
From there, Velazquez’s journey took him through Cleveland, Baltimore, New York, and Los Angeles. He bounced around via trades and waiver claims, playing for five different big league clubs over six seasons.
His most significant stretch came in 2022 with the Angels, where he served as the team’s primary shortstop. He played in a career-high 125 games that year, hitting nine home runs and posting a .196/.236/.304 line.
While the bat didn’t do much damage, his defense helped him rack up 1.4 bWAR-a solid return for a glove-first infielder.
In 2023, Velazquez remained with the Angels but saw his production dip, finishing the season with a -0.5 bWAR and a 50 OPS+. After that, he returned to the Yankees organization, where he had a previous stint in 2021, appearing in 28 games. Over the past two seasons in Triple-A, he’s swiped 58 bases, showing he still brings speed to the table.
What makes Velazquez intriguing for the Rangers is his ability to play all over the field. He’s logged time at shortstop, second base, third base, and all three outfield positions. That kind of flexibility is gold for a team looking to reinforce its bench with players who can step in anywhere when injuries hit or matchups dictate.
Velazquez isn’t expected to crack the Opening Day lineup, but he’ll be firmly in the mix during spring training. If he shows well with the bat and continues to bring his usual defensive polish, there’s a real path to the 26-man roster. And even if he starts the year in Triple-A, he’s the type of player who can be called up quickly when the need arises.
For a Rangers team looking to build on recent success and stay deep across the board, Velazquez is a smart, low-risk pickup-one who knows the grind and brings value without needing the spotlight.