Those who have chronicled Jesse Chavez's repeated stints with the Atlanta Braves were wincing every time he took the mound in 2025. Chavez hasn't been exactly blowing guys away in recent years, but the 41 year-old reliever very much looked his age and, despite multiple chances with the Braves, it just didn't seem like he had it anymore.
After deciding to come back for one more season in 2025, the expectation was that, this time, Chavez would retire after the season for sure and the end was coming soon.
We just didn't realize how soon that news would come. After being released by the Braves officially a few days ago, Chavez went on Foul Territory on Thursday to announce that he was retiring effective immediately from Major League Baseball.
BREAKING: Jesse Chavez announces his retirement from Major League Baseball.
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 24, 2025
Congratulations on a great career, Jesse! pic.twitter.com/oobZUtUs2W
For Jesse Chavez, the Braves were a perfect match during a long and illustrious career
While the last couple of years or so were hard to watch at times. Chavez has a lot to be proud of now that he has called it quits. Most players would kill to get to 10 years with their own careers and Chavez managed to play in parts of 18 seasons with nine different teams. All told, Chavez finishes his career with 1142 innings across 657 appearances with 1,044 strikeouts against just 363 walks. Not too shabby at all.
Chavez will be best remembered, though, for his repeated stints with the Braves. No matter how badly he played elsewhere, Chavez always seemed to make his way back to the Braves and generally pitch very well. For some fans, he was a team mascot and it is hard to imagine that he is just never going to pitch as a professional again. King Jesse just seemed like he would be around forever.
There is certainly a chance that Chavez changes his mind and tries another comeback in 2026, but this retirement feels like it is going to stick. Now that even the Braves can't stomach putting him on their roster, Chavez seems to know that his time has come. Enjoy retirement, king. Hopefully you find a way to stick around Atlanta as a coach or advisor.