RHP Gregory Veliz recently held a pitching showcase in Florida. His fastball maxed at 94 MPH and a slider at 83-85 MPH. After three seasons at the University of Miami, Veliz was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 15th round of the 2019 MLB draft.
He spent three seasons in their farm system, reaching High A before being released in 2022. During his three seasons, he had a 4.68 ERA with a 5-4 record in 57.2 innings. In 2022 he joined the Tri City Valley Cats of the Frontier League. In 50 innings he would record 54 strikeouts with a 3.91 ERA and 6-2 record. He would later be invited to the Leones de Yucatan of the Mexican League (LMB) training camp.
Now, Veliz is eager for another opportunity to prove himself in professional baseball.
Greg, you had a stellar career at UM, got drafted, then released. How did you refocus?
Getting released was just part of the process, I just kept going, competing, and playing. Just trying to get a new opportunity.
What are your goals for this upcoming showcase?
Hopefully, to throw well, and hopefully something comes from it.
Spring training in the Mexican League, tell me something you learned from that experience?
It was a lot of fun going out to Mexico; it was a good time. Good competition felt like I did well, just didn’t go my way.
You played independent ball last year. Compare the Independent League to Mexico.
I feel like in Mexico compared to Independent ball, there were more names, bigger names in Mexico; the fans are great, and it’s a good environment for baseball.
Do you have any offers?
Not at the moment, just keep throwing whoever asks me to throw lives, and hopefully, something comes from it.