Should the Braves Reunite With Former World Series Champion?

Should the Braves Reunite With Former World Series Champion?

Could the Atlanta Braves be gearing up for yet another reunion with Jesse Chavez? The veteran right-handed pitcher is back on the open market after the Texas Rangers released him on Friday as part of their roster adjustments ahead of Opening Day.

Chavez joined the Rangers on a minor-league deal this past January with an invitation to Spring Training, but things didn’t go according to plan. In seven spring appearances, Chavez struggled significantly, posting a 9.45 ERA, a 2.10 WHIP, and an opponent batting average of .385 over just 6 2/3 innings pitched.

However, despite the rough spring, Chavez’s history with Atlanta makes a potential reunion intriguing. Braves fans are familiar with the drill: picking up Chavez after his release is practically a tradition at this point. If Atlanta did choose to bring him back, it would mark the fifth time Chavez has donned the Braves uniform.

In fact, Chavez has repeatedly thrived during his multiple stints with the Braves. He was particularly effective throughout the entire 2023 season and into the first half of 2024, maintaining a stellar 1.56 ERA in both periods. However, after the 2024 All-Star Break, Chavez’s performance sharply declined. He struggled in his final 17 appearances, recording a 5.87 ERA across 23 innings, raising questions about whether he still had enough left to contribute effectively.

Yet, Chavez and the Braves seem intertwined in baseball fate, and perhaps another stint would rekindle his success. As Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game humorously noted, the Braves might already be “on the clock” for their routine Chavez reunion.

While there’s no indication yet that the Braves will indeed make a move, the notion certainly isn’t outlandish. With Chavez now available and the Braves known for unexpected reunions, another contract wouldn’t shock anyone.

For now, Atlanta has already reinforced its bullpen, adding right-handers Héctor Neris and Enyel De Los Santos, who both impressed this spring. Chavez’s return is uncertain, but given the Braves’ history, nothing can be ruled out entirely.