Beloved journeyman pitcher and repeated Atlanta Braves reliever Jesse Chavez was thought to be heading toward retirement after a magical 2024 season. Much of the offseason has passed without anyone around baseball hearing a peep about Chavez's plans for the 2025 season.
However, in a surprising turn of events Chavez told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that he intended on pitching in 2025. Chavez's 2024 gave all the indications that retirement was coming for the now 41 year-old pitcher. It would've been an impressive high note to end his career on as Chavez posted a 3.13 ERA, 4.43 FIP, and 0.7 bWAR in 63.1 innings of work.
However, much like his former teammate Charlie Morton, the aging RHP couldn't step away from the game quite yet. Now it's time to see who Chavez will suit up for in 2025.
"Jesse Chavez" in the bullpen. 😂 pic.twitter.com/u6Q1WQfcaC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 16, 2023
Braves legend Jesse Chavez says he intends to pitch in 2025
The running joke around baseball is Chavez somehow always finds his way back to Atlanta then immediately puts up great numbers. Despite pitching in the big leagues since 2008, Chavez has found a way to stay formidable in Atlanta's bullpen each of the last four seasons.
Last year Chavez started off so hot that he had teammates campaigning for him to make the All-Star game. Sadly, it was a tell of two halves for Chavez and he looked the part of a pitcher on the wrong side of 40 during the second half of 2024. His second half ERA finished at 5.73, and he allowed a .373 wOBA and 5.03 FIP post All-Star break.
With all that said the Braves aren't exactly loaded like they were last season in the bullpen. The return of Chavez would not only benefit the clubhouse, but provide real spring competition that the Braves need especially from the right-hand side.
Given his age the cost won't be anything more than a minor league deal and spring training invite to land Chavez. Because of the low-risk nature of this potential deal, it feels kind of inevitable. Both Alex Anthopoulos and Brian Snitker have continuously voiced their admiration for Chavez, so one last run with the Braves in 2025 isn't out the question.
It wouldn't come as shock if Chavez looks outmatched in the spring after watching his troublesome second half trends in 2024. If that ends up being the case this spring you simply shake hands and thank Jesse for the incredible baseball career he's given us.