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Angels Longtime Shortstop Signs With Atlanta Braves

Originally posted on FanNation Halos Today
By Martand Bhagavatula | Last updated 12/12/23

The exodus of Angels to Atlanta continues.

Alongside David Fletcher and Max Stassi being dealt to the ATL , longtime shortstop Andrew Velazquez signed with the Braves on a minor-league contract. The move was made earlier this offseason.

Velazquez, also known by his nickname "Squid," has been solid in the field throughout his six MLB seasons, but has batted a mere .189 to go along with 12 home runs and 40 RBI.

Velazque has been with the Angels for the last two years, but played with the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Cleveland since 2018.

Over the last two seasons with the Angels, Velazquez hit just .191 with 11 home runs and 31 runs batted in.

His only full season at the MLB level came in 2022 with the Angels, when he appeared in 125 games. However, after playing in just 54 games last season — and losing playing time because of his below-average bat — the Angels decided to move on from him.

First claimed off of waivers by Atlanta on September 5th (and now re-signing), Velazquez will be on his 6th team in as many years. Let's see if one of the league's top teams can be a longer-term home for him.

This article first appeared on FanNation Halos Today and was syndicated with permission.

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