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Jesse Chavez says 2024 is likely his final season, should his career end in Atlanta?

Jesse Chavez is beloved by Braves nation, but is there room for him on the 26-man roster?

By Mitchell Barbee |
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The Braves have had a busy offseason, but one move they haven't made is one almost every Braves fan has been hoping for: re-signing Jesse Chavez.

Because the 40-year-old righty is still on the free agent market, there's been some speculation that the reliver might be retiring, but that was put to rest when Chavez revealed he plans to play one more season on MLB Network Radio.

"I think this is probably gonna be it," Chavez told the network, referring to the 2024 season. He mentioned his desire to go out of baseball the same way he came in to it: healthy. The 16-year veteran said he plans to give it all he has this upcoming season and then will look to get into coaching.

Chavez has had four different stints with the Braves, with his first coming during the 2010 season, and his most recent, of course being last season.

Of course, Chavez still needs to find a team to play for in 2024, and while Braves fans would love to see Uncle Jesse back with the club, the team might not have space for him.

Is there room in the Braves bullpen for Jesse Chavez?

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Jesse Chavez was outstanding for the Braves last season, pitching 34.2 innings and maintaining a 1.56 ERA. With these results, as well as his clubhouse presence, it's no surprise fans are clamoring for a reunion.

However, when you look at the state of the Braves bullpen, it's not surprising while the two sides haven't struck a deal yet.

Of the eight bullpen spots, there are six locks: Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Pierce Johnson, Joe Jimenez, Aaron Bummer, and Reynaldo Lopez. These relievers are all set to receive millions, have no options, and are likely the anchor pieces to the pen, although there is a small chance Lopez makes his way into the rotation.

Ray Kerr, Tyler Matzek, Huascar Ynoa, Dylan Lee, Jackson Stephens, and Daysbel Hernandez are relievers on the 40-man roster who will look to win the remaining two spots in the bullpen, while Ken Giles is a wild card to make it from the list of non-roster invitees.

Kerr, Ynoa, Lee, and Hernandez have options remaining, while Matzek and Stephens do not.

If the Braves want to retain Jesse Chavez, they will need to option all four relievers with options and let go of either Matzek or Stephens (with the latter being the most obvious pick).

Of course, if the Braves re-sign Chavez, the bullpen have the same issue as last year's team, as there won't be a single reliever who can be optioned in the event of the bullpen being overtaxed.

Is there a spot for Jesse Chavez on the 26-man roster? Technically. But the full bullpen might be the reason the Braves stay away from a reunion.

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