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Forgotten former Cubs prospect proving just how wrong Cubs fans were

ByJordan Campbell|
Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer Media Availability
Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer Media Availability | Michael Reaves/GettyImages

One of the more divisive trades that Jed Hoyer has made in his time in charge of the Chicago Cubs' front office was the 2023 Trade Deadline deal that saw the Cubs ship outfield prospect Nelson Velázquez to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher José Cuas.

Hoyer took immediate heat for the deal as it seemed that the Cubs simply gave up on the young outfielder despite the flashes of power he had in his abbreviated stints at the Major League level.

In the immediate aftermath, it seemed like a deal that worked out for both sides. Velázquez belted out 14 home runs for the Royals at the end of the 2023 season, posting a 129 wRC+ in 147 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Cuas posted a 3.04 ERA with the Cubs in 27 appearances in 2023 following the trade. Cuas wasn't able to repeat his success in 2024, posting a 7.43 ERA with the Cubs in 9 appearances before he was designated for assignment and left the organization.

Meanwhile, Velázquez had his own struggles with the Royals last season, hitting only 8 home runs through 230 plate appearances with a 76 wRC+. The book on the trade was officially closed on Wednesday when the Royals announced that Velázquez had been released.

No, the Cubs are not regretting the trade of Nelson Velázquez

If anything, news of the Royals releasing Velázquez is only more confirmation that the Cubs' front office often has more information than what the fans can find through their daily scrolls of Baseball Reference, Baseball Savant, and FanGraphs. Velázquez, given his raw power, was a fun prospect to follow during his ascent to the Major League level, but his game had limitations. Those limitations were the reason why the Cubs were never eager to give him an extended runway in the majors.

This is an important reminder because of what is likely ahead for the Cubs this season. Given their needs, the Cubs will likely be in a position to offer their top prospects, such as Owen Caissie, James Triantos, and Kevin Alcantara, in potential deals to address areas of need. As they did with Velázquez, the Cubs will need to trust their internal scouting when deciding what prospects to move.