The Atlanta Braves have continually shuffled through minor league pitchers throughout the season. Bringing up endless bullpen combinations only to change them days later. A small piece of this is due to injuries in the starting rotation, while the larger problem remains Atlanta's failure to add needed depth.
Whether this falls on the shoulders of ownership or on the front office is up for debate. Either way, it has resulted in a consistent level of frustration from fans. Putting together a dollar store bullpen has cost the Braves games at a level that could've tilted the season if the problems had been fixed.
Regardless, it is too late for the front office or ownership to change course with how poorly things have gone. A big piece of this consistent overturn has been veteran reliever Jessie Chavez. It is an often-repeated story where Chavez finds a way to figure things out in Atlanta, only to depart for a new landing spot. Things will implode with the new team, and the cycle repeats. The difference this season has been the fact that Chavez has only shuffled on and off Atlanta's roster. That continued this week with Chavez reaching free agency.
Veteran Braves Reliever Jessie Chavez Hits Free Agency
It isn't the first time that this has happened in the 2025 season, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see things end the exact same way. Chavez returning to the Braves on another minor league deal is very much on the table. At this stage of his career, there is going to be a very limited market, and it isn't as if the Braves have an overwhelming number of options at the back of the bullpen.
Chavez has had an impressive career, and putting himself back together in Atlanta over the last handful of seasons has been a highlight. Seeing the reliever continually find a way to right the ship once returning to the Braves roster was one of the more enjoyable stories in the last three seasons. However, it seems the magic has worn off with Chavez unable to reach the levels he has in seasons past.
Still, there is some value in giving Chavez one last chance to work minor league innings and attempt to win another chance in the back of Atlanta's pen. This ending with another minor league deal remains the most likely path.