“I just need one more chance to prove I still belong here,” Vince Velasquez once shared with determination before entering the most crucial phase of his career.

And now, that has become a reality as he has officially been called back to the Major League Soccer with the Chicago Cubs — an emotional return amidst the heating up of the 2026 season.

Internal team information confirms Velasquez has been activated into the starting lineup following Caleb Thielbar’s injury, marking his first return to MLB since 2023.

This is not just a simple personnel decision, but also the story of a forgotten pitcher finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

Vince Velasquez, 33, was once mentioned as a “potential but inconsistent arm” for many years. After scattered stints with the Phillies, Padres, White Sox, and Pirates, his career hit a slump as injuries and inconsistent form hampered his progress.

There was even a time when Velasquez had to leave MLB to play overseas and accept a reserve role at Triple-A. But it was there that he began to rewrite his story.

In the 2026 Iowa season, Velasquez showed more consistent performance than expected with an ERA of 3.71 and better control in crucial situations — enough to convince the Cubs’ coaching staff to give him a new chance.

The decision to bring Velasquez into the starting lineup wasn’t random. The Cubs were facing significant pressure to maintain bullpen depth, especially after injuries to several key relievers.

In that context, Velasquez became the logical choice: an experienced pitcher capable of multiple innings and having faced the pressure of MLB for nearly a decade.

The coaching staff believed he could fill the role of long relief—a crucial link in reducing rotation and stabilizing the game’s pace.

The Cubs’ community reaction: a mix of skepticism and hope.

Immediately after the news broke, the Cubs’ North Side fanbase erupted in mixed opinions. Some considered it merely a temporary solution, while others saw Velasquez as a “gamble of experience” the team had to take during a personnel crisis.

However, it’s undeniable that his return story is deeply emotional. From a player seemingly cast aside from MLB, Velasquez now stands before the opportunity to rewrite his entire career in the high-pressure environment of Chicago.

According to analysts, the Cubs’ decision to bring Velasquez back isn’t a long-term move, but rather a strategic experiment in a context where the team needs immediate flexibility.

He’s not expected to be a rotation mainstay, but the role of an experienced reliever could provide immediate value—especially in extended series or when the bullpen is overloaded.

If Velasquez maintains the consistency of his Triple-A, he could become a “sleeper asset” helping the Cubs overcome difficult periods of the season.

For Vince Velasquez, the moment of returning to MLB is more than just a roster call. It’s confirmation that his journey isn’t over.

From his struggles to regain his form, to proving himself at a lower level, and now standing on the biggest stage in baseball, his story is a powerful “comeback narrative”—something MLB always cherishes.

Wrigley Field, with its history and inherent pressure, will be the test to see if Velasquez can turn this opportunity into a true turning point.

In a turbulent MLB season, Vince Velasquez’s return to the Cubs is more than just roster news; it’s a story of perseverance, rebirth, and a second chance in elite sports.

Will he be the Cubs’ unexpected solution, or just a fleeting chapter in the team’s long journey? The answer will be written on the field—one inning, one pitch.

And in Chicago, all eyes are now on to see if the “returnee” can truly rewrite his destiny.