The King is Back: Atlanta Braves Reunite with Veteran Reliever in Blockbuster Move
The Atlanta Braves have once again brought back a familiar face, signing veteran reliever Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal. Chavez, who has spent multiple stints with the Braves throughout his long career, will report to camp today, continuing his almost cyclical return to Atlanta.
The 41-year-old right-hander has built a reputation as a reliable bullpen arm, particularly in his time with the Braves. His history with the organization dates back to 2009, when he was first acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a trade for Rafael Soriano. Since then, Chavez has been traded away and reacquired multiple times, making his return in various seasons.
Most recently, Chavez was a key piece in Atlanta’s bullpen during the 2023 season, posting an impressive 1.55 ERA across 31 games before a line drive to the leg forced him to miss a significant portion of the season. Despite the setback, his contributions were valuable, and the Braves clearly believe he still has something left in the tank.
Chavez’s tenure with the Braves has been marked by multiple departures and returns. Notably, in 2022, Atlanta traded him to the Los Angeles Angels, only to reclaim him off waivers later that same year. His consistent performance upon each return has endeared him to fans, and his leadership and veteran experience are highly valued within the clubhouse. Chavez was also a member of the Braves 2021 World Series championship team, contributing significantly with a 2.14 ERA over 33.2 innings during the regular season and delivering scoreless outings in the postseason, including two appearances in the World Series.
With another chance to prove himself, Chavez will compete for a spot in the bullpen this spring. If history is any indication, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him making key relief appearances for the Braves once again in 2024. He is set to report to camp today, where the team will evaluate his performance before making any decisions about his role. With the Braves still assessing their bullpen depth, there is likely more information to come as they determine how Chavez fits into their plans for the season.
