The Braves have re-signed right-hander Jesse Chavez, as announced by Chavez himself on Instagram. The Athletic’s David O’Brien reports that it is a minor league deal for the 39-year-old, and it presumably contains an invitation to the Braves’ big league Spring Training camp. Chavez will receive $1.2MM in guaranteed money if he makes Atlanta’s active roster, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports (via Twitter).
As he approaches what would his 16th Major League season, this would be Chavez’s fifth different stint with Atlanta. After appearing in 28 games with the Braves way back in the 2010 season, Chavez returned in 2021 and became a very effective weapon out of the bullpen for the World Series champions. He signed a free agent deal with the Cubs last offseason, but was then quickly dealt back to the Braves in April, and then traded again to the Angels as part of the trade deadline swap that sent Raisel Iglesias to Atlanta. Finally, the Angels released Chavez in August, and he returned to the Braves via waiver claim.
Even with all this movement, 2022 was another solid year on the mound for the veteran, as Chavez had a 3.76 ERA, 25.3% strikeout rate, and 6.8% walk rate over 69 1/3 combined innings. While Chavez did allow a lot of hard contact, his wOBA (.325) and xwOBA (.321) were virtually identical, and Chavez was actually on the bad end of the batted-ball fortune scale, as per his .333 BABIP. It has made for a nice late-career revival for Chavez, and while it didn’t translate into a guaranteed deal, it seems quite likely that he’ll turn up in Atlanta’s bullpen perhaps as early as Opening Day.
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has a habit of moves relatively early in the offseason, and he has already added both Chavez and Nick Anderson (on a split contract) to the bullpen mix. Kolby Allard may also be an option for the relief corps, after the Braves re-acquired the southpaw from the Rangers in the Jake Odorizzi swap.
Thumbs up!
Yesse to Jesse
The next Jesse Orosco!!!
Interestingly, Chavez has been traded 6 times during the regular season in his 15 ML seasons. In his career Jesse Orosco was only traded twice during the regular season and they both came in his 24th and final season.
Earthshattering
Ok
Not surprising, but Chavez has been fairly effective for Atlanta in his stints as a Brave.
That’s an understatement
Dude has been a cold hearted assassin during his time in Atlanta. That he does it throwing 88-91mph cutters up in the zone is what’s crazy.
This guy really had to settle for a minor league deal with 61 Ks and a 3.07 Era ?! Even at his age he was a good option during his time in Atlanta. He was garbage in limited use with the angels
Probably a handshake agreement that he’ll be on the roster in short order. But Braves want to maintain roster flexibility. For now, they bring back a familiar veteran that’s expandable if plans change.
With Rule V draft coming, it makes sense.
He got ump showed and ate a 5 spot when he should’ve been out of an inning. That murdered his ERA in Anaheim.
amp.thecomeback.com/mlb/angels-mariners-home-plate…
What is with AA and a Chavez, traded Liam Hendricks for him when he was with the jays too
I like it. I never worried too much when he was put in a game
He always seems to do ok in Atlanta.
Love this dude.
The question I ponder is how many teams will he pitch for between Atlanta and his return to Atlanta in late August?
Making sure Jesse Chavez gets locked up early was a priority I didn’t have on my to-do list.
Coach!
Jesse Chavez Is The Man! He’s Been Traded NINE TIMES! That Has To Be The Record!!!
Great for Jesse.
I think he’s the most universally liked guy on this site.
I didn’t realize the Braves got Allard back in the Odorizzi swap. Maybe they can fix Allard.
It’s like this guy only pitches good for Atlanta.
Actually far better with the Cubs. 1.81 ERA.
I’m talking about in recent years, Chavez has never had an ERA at 1.81 so I’m confused where you got that number. Also last year he was terrible with the cubs, he had an ERA over 6.00 in his brief opportunity.
1.81 is his career ERA with the Cubs. He dominated for them in ‘18
Ok, I understand now, but I’m mainly talking about the last couple years
Recently terrible for everyone else, great with us. Riddle me that
Dude takes the ball period. Culture in the BP too. “Coach” is great for this team.