It looks like the Atlanta Braves are saying goodbye to another familiar face from their pitching staff.
Right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez has signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers, complete with an invite to Spring Training. For Chavez, it’s a reunion with the Rangers—and, honestly, one of many.
This will be his third stint in Texas, though that’s still trailing behind his five different runs with the Braves. The man clearly knows his way around a comeback.
A Rollercoaster Tenure with the Braves
Chavez played a crucial role in the Braves bullpen during the 2023 season and the first half of 2024.
He was lights out in 2023, finishing with an impressive 1.56 ERA—a number he carried straight through to the 2024 All-Star Break. But the magic didn’t last.
After the break, the wheels came off, and his ERA skyrocketed to 5.87 in 17 appearances. By the end of August, his outings were more of a liability than an asset, with a brutal 7.63 ERA from late July through August.
That slump even limited him to just four appearances in September, signaling the writing on the wall for his time in Atlanta.
A Familiar Face Returns to Texas
Still, the 41-year-old isn’t ready to call it a career, and the Rangers are taking a chance on his veteran experience.
Chavez previously pitched for Texas in parts of 2018, 2019, and 2020, making 96 appearances. He had a 4.58 ERA over 151 1/3 innings.
While those numbers are hardly jaw-dropping, his knack for leadership and adaptability clearly holds value.
The Braves Look Ahead After Chavez’s Departure
Given his second-half struggles, Chavez’s departure isn’t the biggest deal in the world for the Braves. They have plenty of right-handed arms in their system to fill the void.
The real challenge is addressing their lack of left-handed relief options, especially after losing AJ Minter this offseason. That gap could prove more problematic as they head into 2025.
Chavez’s Legacy in Atlanta: A World Series Hero
Chavez’s exit marks the end of an era in Atlanta. Fans will remember his role in the team’s 2021 World Series run, where he didn’t give up a single run, including two scoreless outings in the World Series itself.
While his departure won’t hurt the Braves’ bullpen as much as others, his contributions to their championship season will forever cement his legacy in Atlanta. Now, he’ll look to make one more mark in Texas as he continues his career.
