Nelson Velazquez Among 3 Cubs Named Arizona Fall League All-Stars – NBC Chicago

Velazquez among Cubs’ AFL All-Stars: ‘He’s been amazing’ initially appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Nelson Velazquez may be on his technique to incomes the 2021 Arizona Fall League MVP award. Nonetheless first, the Cubs outfield prospect will play inside the prestigious league’s All-Star Sport.

Velazquez is taken into account certainly one of three Cubs prospects who will play inside the AFL’s “Fall Stars Sport,” along with infielder Andy Weber and pitcher Caleb Kilian.

A bunch of scouting directors, farm directors, AFL workers and MLB Pipeline writers chosen the avid gamers for the game, which is scheduled for six p.m. CT Saturday on MLB Neighborhood.

“He’s been excellent,” acknowledged Cubs president Jed Hoyer of Velazquez on the GM Conferences this week. “He had a extraordinarily good yr, so this could be a continuation of a extraordinarily fantastic season.

“Tremendous happy with him. He’s hitting along with anyone available on the market.”

In precise reality, he’s hitting larger than anyone available on the market.

Velazquez, the Cubs’ No. 29 prospect primarily based on MLB.com, has been on an unbelievable run on the plate with the Mesa Picture voltaic Sox. He entered Wednesday foremost all licensed avid gamers in frequent (.390), on-base proportion (.490) and slugging (.756).

In 20 video video games, he’s hit eight dwelling runs (moreover first inside the league) with 18 RBIs.

Although it’s sturdy to make big-picture evaluations off fall league performances alone, Velazquez’ effectivity is deservingly attention-worthy, really after what he did in the middle of the 2021 minor-league season.

Velazquez hit .270/.333/.496 with 20 homers and 73 RBIs between Single-A South Bend and Double-A Tennessee. He was the group’s minor-league participant of the month in August.

“What he’s doing is principally gratifying to have a look at,” Hoyer acknowledged.

Weber, who spent 2021 in Double-A, is batting .315 with a .427 OBP in 18 AFL video video games. After a tricky first outing, Kilian — certainly one of many prospects acquired from the Giants for Kris Bryant — has allowed one earned run all through 4 appearances. 

“One of the simplest ways Killian is throwing the ball since that first outing has been distinctive,” Hoyer acknowledged. “He was terrific [Monday] as soon as extra.

“Andy Weber is hitting fairly effectively. It’s gratifying to have guys performing correctly.”

Click here to follow the Cubs Talk Podcast.