Were there better players for the Yankees in 2021 than Andrew Velazquez in 2021? Very much so. However, was there a better story than him? Arguably, no.
The Bronx-born Velazquez had spent years in four different organizations since being drafted out of Fordham Prep in 2012. He had brief MLB stints with the Rays, Cleveland, and the Orioles from 2018-20 before coming “home” and signing a minor league free agent deal with the Yankees last offseason.
Despite joining the team of his childhood fandom, he wasn’t exactly expected to play a role for the team.