3 Chicago Cubs players who are being wasted while Jason Heyward gets playing time

The Cubs should give Nelson Velazquez more playing time than Jason Heyward

Recently promoted outfielder Nelson Velazquez may soon start to take many at-bats away from Heyward. The 23-year-old has hit for some good power in the minor leagues, blasting 20 home runs in only 425 chances last year. This season, in his first 232 plate appearances, he was able to knock 15 already.

Velazquez is the 16th ranked prospect in the team’s system according to MLB.com. This doesn’t set expectations all that high. This may be because he is a lot more powerful than anything else at the plate. With his 15 home runs came only a .241 batting average in the minors this year.

It’s way too early to tell what Velazquez can offer the Cubs but with regular appearances in right field possible for him, it’s important he doesn’t just sit around on the bench and watch the veterans play. See what the kid can do. He doesn’t have to play every game. He doesn’t even need to replace Heyward exclusively. The Cubs have an opportunity to quickly discover how some of their young players can contribute. Velasquez is one of the latest to taste big league action for the first time. They know what Heyward is. Let’s give Velazquez as many chances to learn what he can do, too.

An exceptional base stealer when it comes to not getting caught, he swiped 17 bases in 19 attempts last year. This is an aspect of his game that could play well in the major leagues as long as he doesn’t lose his touch at knowing when to run. He looks capable of at least becoming a good role player in the majors. Sit Heyward a little more and find out.