MLB's Atlanta Braves sign Jesse Chavez to Minor League Deal ahead of opening day
The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran relief pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal as they finalize their roster for the 2025 regular season.
The Atlanta Braves are preparing to kick off the 2025 regular season on the road against the San Diego Padres on Thursday afternoon. However, before heading out west, the team is finalizing their roster during the final days of Spring Training.
On Sunday morning, the Braves added a familiar face to their bullpen in hopes of making the Opening Day roster. According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, the Braves signed veteran relief pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal. Chavez, 41, was recently released by the Texas Rangers, just days after the Rangers had signed him to a minor league contract in January.
Jesse Chavez returns to Braves again
Jesse Chavez signed a Minor League contract with the Braves on Saturday, and the team plans to evaluate his performance in Sunday's game against the Orioles before deciding if he could be added to the Opening Day roster.
This marks the second consecutive year that Chavez has joined the Braves at the end of Spring Training after being released by another team. The Rangers let him go on Friday.
After being released by the White Sox last year, Chavez posted a strong 1.32 ERA over 26 appearances through June but struggled later in the season, with a 5.22 ERA in 20 appearances after July.
The Braves will begin the season with seven straight games, and they may carry both their No. 3 prospect, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Ian Anderson as potential starters or long relievers during this stretch. Chavez would provide another option in long relief. A roster spot could be opened by optioning Daysbel Hernandez at the start of the season.
Since joining the Braves in 2021, Chavez has become a fan favorite, posting a solid 2.48 ERA over 152 innings pitched for the team.