Jesse Chavez, a seasoned reliever, was released, according to the White Sox. Although Chavez signed a minor league contract last month, the right-hander had until yesterday to be added to the White Sox’s Opening Day roster, or he may choose to opt out, given his status as a XX(B) free agent.
Prior to being released yesterday, Kevin Pillar and Mike Moustakas were in comparable circumstances. As with Chavez, it’s unclear if any of these players truly exercised their opt-out rights or if the White Sox just released them because none of them were expected to be on the 26-man roster. The outcome is essentially the same, as Chavez will now try to continue his career into a 17th Major League season by reentering the free agent market.
Despite being over 40 years old, Chavez is still a productive pitcher as seen by his 1.56 ERA in 34 2/3 innings with the Braves in 2023. In addition to having an exceptional ERA because to his exceptional ground ball rate of 51.7% and fortunate batted ball average of.273, Chavez also had above-average strikeout and hard-hit ball rates of 27.1% and 33.3%, respectively. Chavez’s experience wasn’t entirely favorable, though, as he was struck in the leg by a comebacker and had to spend more than three months on the injured list.
In an interview conducted last month, Chavez stated that 2024 will “probably” be his final season as a player. After that, he plans to continue in the game as a coach. Chavez has pitched so brilliantly in each of the past three seasons that it appears virtually a given that he will sign a minor level contract with another team, and a return to the Braves would seem quite likely. Chavez has already spent four consecutive stints with the Braves, three of which have been with them in the last three years alone. He also won a World Series ring while playing for the Braves in the 2021 triumph.