Jesse Chavez in an Atlanta Braves uniform has been one of the most unexplainable anomalies in Major League Baseball over the last several years. Since 2021, every time he’s donned a tomahawk across his chest, he’s been one of the best relievers in the entire league. Everywhere else, he looks like someone who’s been relegated to beer league softball.
It all started three years ago when Chavez joined the Braves mid-season and went on to post a 2.14 ERA over 30 appearances during the regular season as well as 6.1 shutout innings in the postseason, helping Atlanta to its first championship in the four major sports since 1995. Still, the Braves opted not to re-sign him in the offseason, leading him to join the Cubs, only for Chavez to return via trade after less than a month. Chicago wasn’t pleased with what they saw — a 6.35 ERA over five appearances — and the Braves all of a sudden had a need for another reliever with Sean Newcomb struggling.
Immediately, Jesse Chavez began to look like himself again. Over his next 38.1 innings for the Braves, he posted a 2.11 ERA along with a 2.54 FIP, but it still wasn’t enough to convince Alex Anthopoulos, who dealt Chavez to the Angels in the trade that sent Raisel Iglesias to Atlanta.
Of course, nobody can really blame Anthopoulos for that. The Raisel Iglesias trade will go down as one of the better ones in Atlanta Braves history, as he’s been among the game’s elite closers ever since joining the team. Plus, it wouldn’t be long before Chavez was back.
After less than a month with the Angels, Chavez was designated for assignment. In 11 appearances out west, he posted an unsightly 7.59 ERA. The Braves, however, were there to scoop him up, and while he wasn’t as dominant to end the season, it was enough for Anthopoulos to bring him back for the 2023 campaign, a season in which he posted a 1.56 ERA over 36 appearances.
Unfortunately, Chavez’s career year ended prematurely due to a fractured leg. He then signed with the lowly White Sox in the offseason and was so abysmal during Spring Training that he didn’t even make the Opening Day roster of one of the worst teams in major league history.
For what felt like the billionth time, Alex Anthopoulos was given the opportunity to bring Jesse Chavez back. Which, of course, the Braves GM couldn’t let pass by, and for a while, the results were equally as fruitful. Following a July 9th outing against the Diamondbacks in which Chavez tossed 2.2 scoreless innings, his ERA dropped to 1.56 on the season over 40.1 innings. He was once again having a career year in Atlanta, one that was even worthy of All-Star consideration.
However, the tune has changed considerably ever since. In last night’s game, Brian Snitker turned to the 41-year-old veteran with a four-run lead, and after just an inning of work, that lead was down to one. The Twins would eventually come all the way back to tie, only for the Braves to pull the game out in extras. It would have been a devastating loss for a team that is finally beginning to build some momentum. Instead, it’s another gritty win for Brian Snitker’s club, who have now won eight of their last 10 games, many of which have come in extra innings.
Still, it can’t be overlooked that Chavez has essentially become unusable unless the game is well out of hand. He’s only pitched twice since August 16th, and over his last eight appearances, he’s given up 12 earned runs (10.45 ERA).
Jesse Chavez has been a remarkable story, and without him, the Braves would probably still be searching for their first World Series since 1995. He’s even been instrumental to the team’s success for much of this season, but every story has its end, and it’s looking like the end of the road might be near for the 17-year veteran. The Braves have to be considering replacing him on the roster sooner rather than later, given they have several capable arms waiting in Gwinnett for their opportunity.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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