The Chicago White Sox have a plethora of former Braves set to be on their opening day roster in 2024. However, a couple of key players from the 2023 Braves did not make the cut, and are now free to sign with any team in MLB.
Kevin Pillar is now searching for a new team
Pillar was a key piece for the Braves last year, as he platooned with Eddie Rosario in left field. Going into 2024, Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta Braves organization decided to go a different direction and now have a new platoon in the form of Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall.
Kevin Pillar went into free agency and ultimately signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox while getting an invitation to Spring Training. His numbers weren't terrible this spring, but unfortunately they also weren't strong enough to land him an Opening Day roster spot.
Former #Braves OF Kevin Pillar was released by the White Sox. He batted .250 with 6 2B, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, and 2BB/12K in 18 games this ST. He was in camp with Chicago on a minor league deal.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) March 23, 2024
With Andrew Benintendi, Luis Robert Jr. Dominic Fletcher, and Gavin Sheets on the MLB roster, it makes sense that the White Sox had no room for Pillar there. However, a veteran leader like Pillar who still has so much to offer on the field and in the locker room would be great to have in case of an emergency.
While it may seem like the Atlanta Braves are notorious for resigning former players, Atlanta has no room for Pillar on their roster either. After the recent signing of Adam Duvall, the Braves outfield is set with some insurance.
Jesse Chavez now looking for one last dance
The other transaction by Chicago that really got Braves country buzzing, was the White Sox's decision to release 40 year-old relief pitcher Jesse Chavez. King Jesse is a fan-favorite in Atlanta, and the hopes for a reunion seem to make a lot of sense. You can never have enough bullpen depth, so Chavez returning to Atlanta on a minor league deal isn't out of the realm of possiblity.
Jesse Chavez this spring 👀
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) March 23, 2024
.458 BABIP
5.6% BB
22.2% K
4.59 FIP
3.47 xFIP
56% Ground Ball
…he allowed six of his nine earned runs in his very first appearance.
Over his last six appearances, Chavez posted a 4.50 ERA, 3.8% BB, 23.1% K, 2.73 FIP ✍🏼 pic.twitter.com/cggO9eMSJb https://t.co/fVyV497tXC
Although Chavez was superb in 2023 for Atlanta, that success didn't translate to his Spring Training with Chicago. In just seven innings, Chavez allowed nine earned runs, and 12 hits. However, Jesse has a pattern of flipping the switch when he puts on a Braves jersey so many fans are going to pound the table for Alex Anthopoulos to bring him back.