The Journeyman
The Atlanta Braves have several players who consider the team, and the surrounding area, their “home.” Home is only miles away for many players like Michael Harris II and Matt Olson. But for reliever, Jesse Chavez, home has more meanings than just one. For Chavez, home is in the numbers. Chavez is the most traded player in MLB history. Since making his debut in 2008, he's been traded over 10 times. Five of those times being to the Braves. Since 2020 alone, Chavez has been traded seven times.
Chavez had his first stint with the Braves in 2010 and put up less-than-pleasing numbers. Chavez pitched to a 5.89 ERA in 36.2 innings pitched. 11 years later, in 2021, Chavez was taken back by the Braves and pitched to a stellar 2.14 ERA in 33.2 innings pitched with 36 strikeouts. Chavez was added to the post-season roster and appeared in the NLDS, NLCS, and World Series. He was perfect in all appearances giving up zero earned runs and only five hits.
2022 back, gone, and back again.
Chavez signed in March of 2022 with the Chicago Cubs, where his ERA rose to 6.35. He was then traded back to Atlanta that same month. This was followed by an eventful August. On August 2nd, Chavez and Tucker Davidson were traded from the Braves to the Los Angeles Angels for Raisel Iglesias. Then Chavez was let go by the Angeles on August 29th with a 7.59 ERA. Then on August 30th, Chavez was picked up by the Braves on waivers and posted a 2.72 ERA.
Chavez signed a one-year deal with the Braves in November 2023 and so far has pitched to a 1.55 ERA. Since 2020, Chavez’s ERA has been over 5.00 when he has not played for the Braves. With the Braves, his ERA hasn’t risen over 3. It's safe to say the 39-year-old veteran has found a home in Atlanta. He is a beloved figure in the bullpen and on the team. For whatever reason it may be, Chavez's heart belongs to the Braves.