Death, taxes, and the obligatory Jesse Chavez signing transpired Monday. Few things are as expected as Chavez re-signing with the Braves.
Rumors of the wily veteran signing with the Twins were greatly exaggerated Sunday afternoon. And Monday, AA laid those rumors to rest by bringing the trusty right-hander back into the fold on a minor league deal.
Ridiculously good
Chavez has been ridiculously effective for the Braves while struggling elsewhere in recent years. In fact, Chavez was on pace for an All-Star appearance before taking one of the shin in 2023. He appeared in 36 games for the Braves and recorded a 1.56 ERA. His K/9 of 10.13 was high, and his FIP (3.05) and xFIP (3.4) were stellar. In 2022, Chavez appeared in 46 games for the Braves with a K/9 rate of 9.6. He managed an impressive 2.72 ERA and 2.89 FIP that season in Atlanta, as well. In 2021, the San Gabriel, CA native appeared in 30 games for Atlanta, again excelling. His 9.62 K/9 rate, 2.14 ERA, and 2.01 FIP and xFIP of 3.69.
Here’s the deal with Uncle Jesse. He’s been ridiculously good for Atlanta while not-so-much elsewhere. In 2022, Chavez made 11 appearances for the Angels before before released (7.59 ERA). He made three appearances with the Cubs (6.35 ERA) with no success in 2022. And in 2020, had an ERA of 6.88 with the Rangers.
The journeyman signed an off-season deal with the Chicago White Sox to the chagrin of Braves Country. Many a Braves fan figured he may be the PTBNL in the deal that sent Michael Soroka to Chicago. However, As was the case with Raisel Iglesias and the Angels, the Braves didn’t have to exercise that right as the team waived him.
Chavez will likely begin the season at Gwinnett and once Jackson Stephens blows up a time or two, the crafty veteran will be re-signed to the Major League Club. In fact, I’m preparing the lead now: Death, taxes, and the obligatory Jesse Chavez signing by the Atlanta Braves transpired (insert day/date here).
How you feeling about welcoming Jesse back, y’all?
I’m fine with signing Uncle Jesse but why release Penn Murfee? Was that a cap issue (couldn’t have been much savings, eh)?
Can never have enough pitching…plus he sports the coolest lids
Facts!
I’m all for it. Fully expect both Uncle Jesse and Duvall to be employed with the Braves in some capacity after their playing days are through.
Some things just cannot be explained. Jesse Chavez has been in the league for 16 years. 2024 will be his 17th. In those years, he’s played:
1 year with the Dodgers, 4.21 ERA
2 years with the Blue Jays: 5.89 ERA
2 years with the Angels: 5.51 ERA
2 years with the Cubs: 1.81 ERA
2 years with the Pirates: 4.48 ERA
2 years with the Royals: 6.95 ERA
3 years with the Rangers: 4.58 ERA
4 years with the A’s: 3.98 ERA
If Jesse makes it to the bigs for the Braves, this will make his 5th season with the Braves. Outside of the Cubs, his 3.08 ERA in 158 innings is 2nd best in his career. What’s funny, is that when he was young and played for the Braves, he was horrible, carrying a 5.89 ERA in 36.2 innings. In his last 3 stints:
2.14 ERA in 33.2 IP
2.72 ERA in 53 IP
1.56 ERA in 34.2 IP
He means a TON to this team and this team means a ton to him. I’m pumped he’s back.
I love my boy Christian, but I’m not sold that Stephens will break camp over Uncle Jesse. Stephens carries a split contract and when he get’s promoted to the bigs, he’ll have to be DFA’d. Save Stephens for an injury to the bullpen and kick the season off with Jesse on the 26.
You were right, as usual, Boss! Glad to have Jesse back in the fold, personally. Hurry up, Opening Day!
I see a place for Jesse, Charlie, and Adam in the Braves organization in the future.
Jesse will be on staff as soon as he retires! Bet…
oh noooo
Jim Bowden at the Athletic thinks we’re gonna win the World Series, so we’re probably dooooooomed
Hello gentlepeople, my friend is trying to compile a list of stupid sports cliches, and I thought that we could easily fill up a long list of just things that Chip Caray used to say that annoyed us. Would you guys be willing to just spew out dumb things that Chip used to say? Please and thanks.
Well partner, getting him back from the IL is like making a trade without giving anyone up!
HIGH FLY BALL TO DEEP CENTER….and caught
Something about x player “playing the game the right way”
Also
“Professional hitter”
https://x.com/DOBrienATL/status/1772992736972390411?s=20
I’m not sure I would have lost Jackson Stephens so I could give 40-year old Jesse Chavez one last hurrah.
I agree completely. Also, why did we release Penn Murfee?
I have to believe both moves relate to salary cap space. If we can’t trade Fletcher, we will be very close to the third penalty tier all year. Sure is frustrating to lose Murfee.
Must-read article from Acuña at the Players Tribune, if anyone hasn’t seen it yet.
https://projects.theplayerstribune.com/ronald-acuna-jr-atlanta-braves-mlb-baseball/p/1
I love that—-thanks for sharing
unfortunate the game got postponed, getting antsy for the season to start.
Poured hard yesterday here in Philly, with more expected today. Probably a safe bet to postpone, though I was surprised at how early they called it.
We have a new thread!