Former Angel Signs What Could Be His Final Contract With AL Central Team
Jesse Chavez signed with the Angels prior to the 2017 season. At the time, the right-handed pitcher said the opportunity to drive his children to school from his year-round home in Pomona every morning was "something that I couldn't pass up."
Seven years and seven teams (including another stint with the Angels) later, Chavez is still grinding. Now 40, he was announced among the minor league invitees to spring training Thursday by the Chicago White Sox.
The 2024 season would be Chavez's 17th in the major leagues. It could also be his last.
Chavez has carved out an excellent career, first as a starter, then as a durable reliever. He's made no fewer than 30 appearances in a non-pandemic season since converting to relief pitching in 2016.
The 2017 season in Anaheim was Chavez's last as a starter. He became a free agent after the season and signed with the Texas Rangers.
Chavez returned to the Angels in an Aug. 2022 trade with Tucker Davidson, in exchange for then-closer Raisel Iglesias. He was released by the Angels after making 11 appearances (and allowing 12 runs), then finished the season with Atlanta.
Last season with the Braves, Chavez made 36 appearances and pitched to a 1.56 ERA. His season was interrupted by a freak injury in June, when a line drive struck and fractured his shin bone.
In 16 years with nine teams, Chavez is 49-63 with a 4.30 ERA in 607 games (85 starts). He made the only World Series appearance of his career in 2021 with the eventual champion Braves.
