Just when you thought the roster was set, Jesse Chavez is released from the Chicago White Sox and the inevitable happened. Now Chavez is set to make his final Opening Day roster.
Jackson Stephens has been outrighted to Gwinnett. This was the expected move to create a spot for Jesse Chavez.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 26, 2024
40 year-old Chavez set to make one last Opening Day roster
Just over a month ago Jesse Chavez signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox where he would go on to appear in seven games and struggled mightily to the tune of an 11.57 ERA. Fast forward to just three days ago (March 23) and the White Sox released the reliever making him a free agent.
It took the Braves less than 48 hours to re-sign the journey man reliever to a minor league deal of their own with an invitation to Spring Training where he had the chance to show what he has left in the tank.
That brings us to today's news that Jackson Stephens was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett which fully opens the door for our old friend to not just make the big league team, but to make the Opening Day roster.
While the ERA was through the roof there was still a lot to like about what Jesse did during the spring including a 22% strikeout rate while inducing ground ball after ground ball. After signing back with the Braves, Jesse expressed his joy about not just returning to his old club, but also to play for manager Brian Snitker.
"Feels good to be home"
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) March 25, 2024
Jesse Chavez raves about Brian Snitker and how excited he is to finish his career with @Braves. pic.twitter.com/RFgsCFCoCF
It's been documented time and time again over on X (formerly Twitter) how the fan base feels about Jesse Chavez with 2022 really cementing him as a Braves Twitter legend. Overall, Jesse has pitched for the Braves over the course of 140 games and has accumulated a 3.08 ERA, and 1.184 WHIP, easily the best numbers of his careers outside of a 32 game stint with the Cubs back in 2018.
It's been documented that this is likely Jesse's final year playing so it is only fitting he finish off an astounding 16 year career in front of a bunch of fans that are very vocal about their love for him.