Phillies Long-Time Pitcher Joins NL Contender Long After Historic Debut

BusinessSportsMoneyPhillies Long-Time Pitcher Joins NL Contender Long After Historic DebutByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorApr 27, 2026, 07:00am EDTDETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 25: The Philadelphia Phillies logo is pictured on a hat during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Phillies are off to one of their worst starts in franchise history despite holding one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball, and a disappointing pitching staff has been central to the problem.The team’s starting rotation has been a strength in recent seasons, but with Zack Wheeler recovering from a surgery, Jesus Luzardo struggling and Taijuan Walker being cut from the team, it has been one of the many issues so far.As the Phillies try to sort out the issues before it’s too late, fans might prefer to reminisce about some of the starters from years past. And the latest update on a former fan favorite has seen him return to the majors with one of the best teams in the National League.ForbesPhillies Boss Makes Rare Early-Season Move With Season In CrisisBy Peter ChawagaPhiladelphia Phillies Former Player Returns With Chicago Cubs After Historic DebutOn Friday, Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor reported that the Chicago Cubs had selected the contract of Vince Velasquez, who spent six years with the Phillies, including a breakout 2016 season.MORE FOR YOU“Velasquez will be making a return to the MLB mound for the first time since a short (yet effective) stint with Pittsburgh in 2023,” Drew Tweedie wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “More recently, he pitched with the KBO Lotte Giants to poor results, with an 8.23 ERA in 35 innings. While there’s an element of misfortune there (ERA predictor xFIP gauged him closer to a 5-ERA performan...