Jesse Chavez

Summary

Jesse David Chavez (born August 21, 1983) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He played college baseball at Riverside Community College, and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and Chicago Cubs. He won a World Series in 2021 with the Braves.

Jesse Chavez
Chavez with the Oakland Athletics in 2013
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1983-08-21) August 21, 1983 (age 41)
San Gabriel, California, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 27, 2008, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record51–65
Earned run average4.24
Strikeouts1,036
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Chavez is the most traded player in MLB history. He has been traded eleven times as of the start of the 2024 season.[1][2]

Amateur career

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Chavez was born in San Gabriel, California.[3][4] A graduate of Fontana A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, California,[5] Chavez later attended Riverside Community College, where he spent two seasons. During his freshman season at Riverside, Chavez went 13–2 with a 1.96 ERA and 11–5 with a 1.93 ERA for his sophomore season.[6]

Professional career

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Chavez was originally drafted in the 39th round out of high school by the Chicago Cubs, but opted to attend college instead.[7]

Texas Rangers

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Chavez was later drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft out of Riverside Community College.[8] In 2006, Chavez was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma, where he pitched one game before being traded.

Pittsburgh Pirates

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The Rangers traded Chavez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Kip Wells on July 31, 2006.[9][10] He was assigned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians where he pitched the rest of the season and all of 2007.

Chavez appeared in 51 games for the Indians in 2007, pitching to a 3.80 earned run average (ERA), and was promoted to the majors on August 27, making his debut the same day. He had a 4.48 ERA in 8213 innings pitched for the Pirates from 2008 to 2009.

Tampa Bay Rays

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The Pirates traded Chavez on November 3, 2009, to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for second baseman Akinori Iwamura.[11]

Atlanta Braves

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On December 10, 2009, Chavez was traded again, to the Atlanta Braves for Rafael Soriano.[12]

He had a 5.89 ERA in 3623 innings pitched for the Braves in 2010.

Kansas City Royals

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On July 31, 2010, Chavez was traded to the Kansas City Royals along with Gregor Blanco and Tim Collins for Rick Ankiel and Kyle Farnsworth.[13] The Royals designated him for assignment on October 11, 2011.[14]

He had a 6.95 ERA in 3323 innings pitched for the Royals from 2010 to 2011.

Toronto Blue Jays

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On October 21, 2011, Chavez was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.[15] He was designated for assignment on December 12 but cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A.[16]

On May 27, 2012, Chavez was called up from the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s. He was 6–2 with a 3.72 ERA in 10 games with Las Vegas.[17] He was recalled on August 4.[18] On August 5, however, he was sent back down to make room for the promotion of Chad Jenkins from the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.[19]

Oakland Athletics

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Chavez was traded to the Oakland Athletics on August 24, 2012, in exchange for cash considerations.[20]

Chavez began the 2013 season with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. He was recalled by Oakland on April 20,[21] and sent back to Sacramento on April 29.[22] He was recalled again on May 10.[23] On June 13, Chavez pitched 523 shutout innings of relief in an 18-inning game against the New York Yankees, earning the win.[24] On July 31, Chavez pitched against the Blue Jays for the first time since being traded to Oakland and took the loss, yielding 3 runs in the 10th inning.

Chavez was added to Oakland's starting rotation to open the 2014 season, due to the spring injuries of Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin.[25] He set career highs in starts and innings pitched, and finished with an 8–8 record with a 3.45 ERA.

On January 12, 2015, Chavez and the Athletics agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.15 million, avoiding arbitration.[26] Chavez was placed in the bullpen to start the season.[27] On April 23, he was moved to the rotation and ended up making 26 starts for Oakland, a career high, pitching to a 7–15 record and a 4.18 ERA. His season ended in mid-September when he was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture in his ribs.[28]

Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)

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On November 20, 2015, the Athletics traded Chavez to the Blue Jays for Liam Hendriks.[29] He and the Blue Jays did not come to an agreement before the salary arbitration deadline on January 15, 2016.[30] Chavez was seeking $4 million, while the Blue Jays countered at $3.6 million. On February 6, it was announced that Chavez had won his arbitration case.[31] Chavez entered spring training in competition for the fifth starter role with Aaron Sanchez, Drew Hutchison, and Gavin Floyd. On March 28, it was announced that Sanchez would be the team's fifth starter, and Chavez would begin the season in the bullpen.[32] On May 17, 2016, Chavez was suspended for 3 games after he intentionally hit Texas Rangers batter Prince Fielder on May 15 after the Blue Jays and Rangers had a bench clearing brawl in the top of the 8th that resulted in Rougned Odor punching José Bautista after Bautista slid hard into Odor to break up a double play.[33] Chavez pitched to a 1–2 record, 4.57 ERA, and 42 strikeouts in 4113 innings before being traded.[34]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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On August 1, 2016, the Blue Jays traded Chavez to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Mike Bolsinger.[35] He appeared in 23 games for the Dodgers with a 4.21 ERA.[36]

Los Angeles Angels

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On November 11, 2016, Chavez signed a one-year, $5.75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.[37] Chavez was chosen to start in the Angels rotation at the beginning of the season due to the bevy of injuries. Chavez made 21 starts, going 5–9 with a 5.24 ERA before being put in the bullpen after the All-Star Break. Chavez finished the season 7–11 in 38 games, 21 starts.

Texas Rangers

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On February 23, 2018, Chavez signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers.[38]

Chicago Cubs

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On July 19, 2018, Chavez was acquired by the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Tyler Thomas.[39][40] Chavez posted an impressive 1.15 ERA in 32 appearances with the Cubs.

Texas Rangers (second stint)

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On November 30, 2018, Chavez signed a 2-year contract to return to the Texas Rangers.[41] Chavez was placed on the injured list on August 13 with elbow inflammation, which stemmed from a bone spur.[42] He finished the 2019 season going 3–5 with a 4.85 ERA in 78 innings. Chavez underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow on September 9.[43] The following season, Chavez had a 6.88 ERA in 17 innings.[4]

Los Angeles Angels (second stint)

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On February 26, 2021, Chavez signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels organization that included an invitation to spring training.[44] On March 26, 2021, Chavez was released by the Angels.[45]

Atlanta Braves (second stint)

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On April 17, 2021, Chavez signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves organization.[46] On June 24, Chavez was selected to the active roster.[47] In 2021 he was 3–2 with a 2.14 ERA in 30 games (4 starts) in which he pitched 33.2 innings.[48] In the 2021 postseason, Chavez made 7 appearances for the Braves, including starting Game 4 of the NLCS, and did not surrender any runs.

Chicago Cubs (second stint)

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On March 13, 2022, Chavez signed a minor league split contract with the Chicago Cubs.[49][50] On April 2, 2022, the Cubs selected the contract of Chavez.[51]

Atlanta Braves (third stint)

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On April 20, 2022, Chavez, along with cash considerations, was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Sean Newcomb.[52][53]

Los Angeles Angels (third stint)

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On August 2, 2022, Chavez and Tucker Davidson were traded from the Braves to the Los Angeles Angels for Raisel Iglesias.[54][55] During the 2022 season, Chavez set the record for most trades in a Major League Baseball career, with ten.[56]

On August 29, Chavez was released by the Angels. In 11 games, Chavez posted a 7.59 ERA.[57]

Atlanta Braves (fourth stint)

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On August 30, 2022, Chavez was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.[58]

On November 12, 2022, Chavez re-signed with the Braves on a one-year minor league contract.[59][60] He was invited to major league spring training before the 2023 regular season began.[61] Chavez made the Braves' Opening Day roster and formally had his contract selected on March 30, 2023.[62] He posted a strong 1.55 ERA in 31 games before he was hit in the left leg by a comebacker off the bat of Miguel Cabrera in a June 14 game against the Detroit Tigers.[63] He was placed on the injured list the following day with a shin contusion.[64] On July 23, Chavez was transferred to the 60-day injured list after manager Brian Snitker said he was still "weeks away" from returning.[65] On September 19, Chavez was activated from the injured list.[66]

Chicago White Sox

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On February 8, 2024, Chavez signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox and received an invitation to major league spring training.[67]

Atlanta Braves (fifth stint)

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Chavez was released by the White Sox organization on March 23, 2024,[68] and re-signed with the Braves organization two days later on another minor league contract.[69][70] On March 28, Chavez was selected to the Opening Day roster.[71]

Personal life

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Chavez is married to Crystal. The couple has three daughters: Criste, Stevee, and Dannie.[72]

References

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  1. ^ Chiusano, Scott (February 20, 2024). "Can Immaculate Grid legend Jesse Chavez name all his teams in order?". MLB.com. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  2. ^ "Can Immaculate Grid legend Jesse Chavez name all his teams in order?". MLB.com. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  3. ^ "Jesse Chavez Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  4. ^ a b "Jesse Chavez Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  5. ^ "Former Fontana A.B. Miller star Jesse Chavez is getting a chance to play in the World Series". Fontana Herald-News. October 21, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  6. ^ "Jesse Chavez Baseball Statistics [2002-2015]". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  7. ^ Shea, John (June 8, 2015). "Jesse Chavez's humble beginnings in draft keep him motivated". SFGate. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
  8. ^ "Jesse David Chavez". Baseball-Reference.Com. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
  9. ^ "Texas Rangers acquire right-handed pitcher Kip Wells from Pittsburgh". MLB.com. July 31, 2006. Archived from the original on March 6, 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  10. ^ Hawkins, Stephen (August 1, 2006). "Rangers get Kip Wells, Stairs". Amarillo Globe-News. Associated Press. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  11. ^ Chastain, Bill (November 3, 2009). "Rays land Chavez, bid farewell to Iwamura". MLB.com. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  12. ^ Bowman, Mark (December 10, 2009). "Braves trade reliever Soriano to Rays". Mlb.mlb.com. MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  13. ^ Kaegel, Dick (July 31, 2010). "Royals deal Farnsworth, Ankiel for three". Kansascity.royals.mlb.com. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2010. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  14. ^ Dierkes, Tim (October 11, 2011). "Royals Claim Laffey, Designate Chavez". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  15. ^ "Jays claim Royals pitcher Chavez off waivers". Sportsnet. October 21, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  16. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (December 12, 2011). "Blue Jays acquire Francisco from Phillies". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  17. ^ "Toronto Blue Jays on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
  18. ^ "Cecil sent down as Jays make flurry of moves". Toronto Blue Jays. Archived from the original on June 18, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
  19. ^ "Villanueva leaves Jays for personal reasons". TSN.ca. August 5, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  20. ^ "Jays trade right-hander Chavez to Athletics for cash". TSN.ca. August 24, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  21. ^ Hawkins, Jim (April 20, 2013). "A's add fresh arm to 'pen by recalling Chavez". MLB.com. Retrieved February 8, 2016.[dead link]
  22. ^ Lee, Jane (April 29, 2013). "A's option Chavez to Triple-A to make room for Straily". MLB.com. Retrieved February 8, 2016.[dead link]
  23. ^ Lee, Jane (May 10, 2013). "A's recall Chavez, option Scribner to Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved February 8, 2016.[dead link]
  24. ^ Hickey, John (June 24, 2013). "Jesse Chavez providing Oakland A's a boost out of bullpen". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  25. ^ Slusser, Susan (March 17, 2014). "Jesse Chavez slots into rotation; A's roster shaping up". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  26. ^ "Jesse Chavez, Athletics agree to $2.15 million deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 12, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  27. ^ "Jesse Chavez beats Blue Jays in arbitration, awarded $4M". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 6, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  28. ^ "Oakland Athletics lose Jesse Chavez to rib fracture". ESPN.com. September 15, 2015. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
  29. ^ Davidi, Shi (November 20, 2015). "Blue Jays reacquire righty Chavez in exchange for Hendriks". Sportsnet. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  30. ^ "Shi Davidi on Twitter". Twitter. January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  31. ^ "Blue Jays' Chavez wins arbitration case for $4M". Sportsnet. February 6, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  32. ^ Fidlin, Ken (March 28, 2016). "Toronto Blue Jays give Aaron Sanchez spot in starting rotation". news.nationapost.com. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  33. ^ "Chavez, Gibbons receive 3-game suspensions". MLB.com. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  34. ^ "Jesse Chavez Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  35. ^ Calcaterra, Craig (August 1, 2016). "Blue Jays trade Jesse Chavez to the Dodgers". mlb.nbcsports.com. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  36. ^ "2016 Los Angeles Dodgers Batting, Pitching & Fielding Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
  37. ^ Laymance, Austin (November 11, 2016). "Angels add veteran righty Chavez". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
  38. ^ Sullivan, T. R. (February 21, 2018). "Rangers add Chavez to pitching mix". MLB.com.
  39. ^ Grant, Evan (July 19, 2018). "Rangers trade relief pitcher Jesse Chavez to Chicago Cubs for lefty Tyler Thomas". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  40. ^ Glaser, Kyle (July 20, 2018). "Rangers Send Jesse Chavez to Cubs For Pitching Prospect". Baseball America. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  41. ^ Sullivan, TR. "Chavez back to Rangers on 2-year deal". MLB. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  42. ^ Sullivan, TR. "Rangers' injury updates: Chavez, Pence, Gallo". MLB.com. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  43. ^ Sullivan, TR (September 11, 2019). "Prized int'l signee Lora joins Rangers for BP". MLB.com. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  44. ^ Fletcher, Jeff (February 26, 2021). "Angels sign veteran Jesse Chavez to minor league deal". Orange County Register.
  45. ^ "Los Angeles Angels release veterans Jon Jay, Jesse Chavez". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 26, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2022. Republished by USA Today
  46. ^ "Major League Baseball Transactions". Major League Baseball.
  47. ^ "Braves purchase contracts of RHPs Jesse Chavez and Tanner Roark". Gwinnett Daily Post. June 24, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  48. ^ "Jesse Chavez Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  49. ^ "Chicago Cubs add veteran reliever Jesse Chavez on minor league deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  50. ^ Bastian, Jordan (March 13, 2022). "Reliever Chavez, Cubs reunite: 'Feels like I didn't leave'". MLB.com. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  51. ^ "Cubs select Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Iowa". MLB.com. April 2, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  52. ^ Rogers, Jesse (April 21, 2022). "Atlanta Braves reacquire right-hander Jesse Chavez, 38, in swap of pitchers with Chicago Cubs". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  53. ^ Toscano, Justin (April 20, 2022). "Braves trade Sean Newcomb, acquire ex-Brave Jesse Chavez". Atlanta Journal Constitution.
  54. ^ "Atlanta Braves beef up bullpen, acquire closer Raisel Iglesias from Los Angeles Angels". ESPN.com. August 2, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  55. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 2, 2022). "Braves trade for Iglesias to bolster 'pen". MLB.com. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  56. ^ "The most traded player ever got dealt AGAIN". MLB.com. Retrieved August 3, 2022. But one MLB player has been swapped in more deals than any other. He's played in less than 15 seasons and, after being dealt to the Angels on Tuesday, has been traded 10 times -- including twice this year. He's won a World Series, he's played in every division and he's probably played for your favorite team. He is 38-year-old bespectacled reliever Jesse Chavez. Former pitcher Dick Littlefield is second all time at eight (look at his ridiculous transactions page) and would've had nine, but his 1956 trade to the Giants for Jackie Robinson was voided: Robinson chose to retire rather than play for the Dodgers' rivals.
  57. ^ McDonald, Darragh (August 29, 2022). "Angels Release Jesse Chavez". Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  58. ^ Burns, Gabriel (August 30, 2022). "He's back again: Braves acquire reliever Jesse Chavez". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  59. ^ Bowman, Mark (November 12, 2022). "Chavez rejoining Braves on Minor League deal". MLB.com. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  60. ^ Toscano, Justin (November 12, 2022). "Braves re-sign Jesse Chavez, a key part of their bullpen the last two years". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  61. ^ Bowman, Mark (February 1, 2023). "Chavez headlines Atlanta's list of non-roster invitees". MLB.com. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  62. ^ "Braves' Jesse Chavez: Secures roster spot". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  63. ^ "Braves' Jesse Chavez: Exits after being hit by comebacker". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  64. ^ "Jesse Chavez injury update: Braves reliever put on IL after being hit by comebacker to leg from Miguel Cabrera". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  65. ^ "Braves' Jesse Chavez: Heads to 60-day IL". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  66. ^ "Braves' Jesse Chávez: Activated from 60-day IL". cbssports.com. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  67. ^ "White Sox Sign Jesse Chavez, Danny Mendick To Minor League Deals". MLB Trade Rumors. February 8, 2024.
  68. ^ Pope, Lamond (March 23, 2024). "Chicago White Sox face more cuts with 42 players in camp. Here's our projected 26-man roster for opening day". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 26, 2024. The Sox made another roster move Saturday, releasing reliever Jesse Chavez. The right-hander was in camp on a minor-league deal.
  69. ^ "P Jesse Chavez, 40, returns to Atlanta Braves on minors deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  70. ^ "'It's good to be home': Fan-favorite Chavez back with Braves". MLB.com. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  71. ^ "Atlanta Braves clear spot on the roster for Jesse Chavez". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  72. ^ "Jesse Chavez Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
edit
  • Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet