Jesse Chavez DFA'd, Braves Select Zach Thompson To MLB Roster
On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves designated relief pitcher Jesse Chavez for assignment, and in a corresponding move, they selected the contract of reliever Zach Thompson. Chavez signed on with the Braves last week and had his contract selected March 31, pitching two innings for Atlanta that day, only to be DFA'd the next day as the Braves' bullpen had been taxed and long-relief reinforcements were needed. Thompson will provide that, however, it remains to be seen how effective he will be. The 31-year-old missed all of 2024 recovering from flexor tendon surgery, and hasn't pitched at the major league level since 2022. In his limited major league action, the 6-foot-7 hurler owns a 4.44 ERA (4.42 FIP), 1.40 WHIP, and a 9.6 percent K-BB% over 196 2/3 IP. The righty is best left unrostered for fantasy, and as for Chavez, if he clears waivers, don't be surprised to see him back with the Braves soon.
The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they selected the contract of right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Gwinnett to the major-league roster and designated right-handed reliever Hector Neris for assignment in a corresponding move. The 41-year-old Chavez will give the Braves a new bullpen arm after Neris had a disastrous two relief outings in San Diego over the weekend by allowing five earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out one in just one inning of work. This will be Chavez's fourth different stint with the organization. In 46 appearances out of the Braves' bullpen last year, Chavez was solid with a 3.13 ERA (4.43 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 19 walks in 63 1/3 innings pitched. In a likely middle-relief role, Chavez will have very little fantasy appeal.
The Atlanta Braves signed relief pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor-league deal on Sunday. The veteran is going to pitch in Sunday's game versus the Orioles with a chance to make the Opening Day roster according to manager Brian Snitker. Despite his advancing age, the 41-year-old has been a solid reliever the last handful of seasons, posting a 2.91 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 17.0 percent K-BB% from 2021-24 (201 IP). Last season, though, the righty recorded a K/9 of 7.82, his lowest since 2017 (excluding 2020). If the 2021 World Series champion can make the team, for fantasy he'd likely only be worth a look in deep NL-only leagues.
According to the team, the Texas Rangers have signed right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. The 41-year-old spent the entire 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Braves and posted a solid 3.13 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP across 63 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out 55 batters and showed strong command with a 7.2% walk rate. He was able to limit hard contact at an above-average 35.4% hard-hit rate and 6.3% barrel rate, which is a promising sign for his stock heading into 2025. However, he generated whiffs at a poor 17.0% rate, which placed him in the second percentile among qualified pitchers. In 2023, Chavez posted an impressive 1.56 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 34 2/3 innings of work. Chavez will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training.
The Atlanta Braves have signed pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. The 40-year-old journeyman spent last season in Atlanta, but was recently cut by the Chicago White Sox after a tough time in the Cactus League this spring. Despite his rough numbers with the White Sox this spring, he had a great season in 2023 with a 1.56 ERA and should have an opportunity to earn a bullpen spot with the Braves. Even with his impressive numbers in 2023, he doesn't provide much in the fantasy world and can be left on the waiver wire for now.
The Minnesota Twins were reportedly in agreement with relief pitcher Jesse Chavez earlier on Sunday. However, the two sides have not officially agreed on a deal. It sounds like the Twins and Chavez are discussing a one-year contract, but haven't made it official. The 40-year-old is looking to pitch at least one more season in the big leagues. Whether it's the Twins or elsewhere, Chavez will likely be a middle reliever. That means, Chavez probably won't carry much fantasy value on any organization.
The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran reliever Jesse Chavez to a one-year big league deal and he will serve in a middle relief role or pitch in matchup-specific opportunities. It will be the 40-year-old's tenth different major league club and 17th season, which is an enviable feat in and of itself. The Twins have lost some bullpen arms recently and needed to sure it up before the season began. While Chavez has found a niche for himself over his many MLB seasons, he's not going to log many innings and isn't a power strikeout pitcher, so his usefulness for fantasy purposes is pretty much limited to leagues where Holds are counted as a category.
Free-agent relief pitcher Jesse Chavez and infielder Danny Mendick were among 11 to sign minor-league deals with invites to major-league spring training with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Chavez missed three months in 2023 due to a microfracture in his left shin, but when he was healthy, he was great despite being 40 years old. He posted a strong 1.56 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 39 strikeouts and one save for the Atlanta Braves in 34 2/3 innings pitched. Given how weak the White Sox's bullpen is entering spring training, it would be a surprise if the veteran reliever wasn't pitching for the big-league club in 2024, but he won't be on the fantasy radar. Mendick, 30, spent the first four years of his career in Chicago. The utility man played in 33 games with the New York Mets last year and went 12-for-65 (.185) with a homer and four RBI.
The Atlanta Braves informed relief pitcher Jesse Chavez on Friday that he will not be on the NLDS roster versus the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite Chavez's strong 1.56 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 39:12 K:BB through 34 2/3 innings pitched, rookie right-hander Daysbel Hernandez (three runs over 3 2/3 IP), who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since late July, made the NLDS team instead. Chavez returned on Sep. 20 from a three-month absence with a microfracture in his left shin. The 40-year-old right-hander tossed 6 1/3 scoreless frames during the postseason of Atlanta's 2021 World Series run and will hope to crack a roster spot if the Braves move on to the NLCS.
Atlanta Braves reliever Jesse Chavez (shin) was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Sunday. The 39-year-old still has a "slight limp, according to skipper Brian Snitker, so the update isn't surprising. Chavez, who has a 1.55 ERA with 36 strikeouts, 13 holds, and two saves in 2022, is still "weeks away" from returning, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see him anytime soon. In a corresponding move, Atlanta will bring right-hander Daysbel Hernandez to the big club.
Zach Thompson
• RP
•
Braves
