The first week of the 2025 MLB season is officially in the books, and the Atlanta Braves are still at the bottom of the NL East without a win. Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers dropped the Braves' record to 0-7 to begin the campaign, leaving time to tell if an eighth consecutive loss can be avoided when the Miami Marlins visit Truist Park on Friday night.
The Braves have spent the early part of the season pulling off minor deals, hoping that something will foster a turnaround. None of the moves have worked so far, though, and the club's latest deal is bound to make fans feel like they're living through the 1993 comedy classic "Groundhog Day."
Braves Bring RHP Jesse Chavez Back on Minor-League Contract... Again
On Friday afternoon, MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported that the Braves are bringing back veteran reliever Jesse Chavez on a minor-league deal. The 41-year-old is hardly a new face in town, as his latest contract marks his seventh stint with Atlanta since 2021 and eighth overall with the franchise.
Jesse Chavez is back with a Minor League contract. But you already knew that was going to happen.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 4, 2025
If the Braves signing Chavez sounds familiar, chances are a good chunk of the fanbase is thinking the same thing. It was only on March 23 when Atlanta signed the veteran reliever to a minor-league contract following his Texas Rangers release. He then elected free agency after being designated for assignment earlier this week, however, it's clear his heart was always in A-Town.
Chavez made his 2025 debut against the Dodgers on Monday, pitching two innings in a 6-1 loss for the Braves. The former 2021 World Series Champion gave up two earned runs, a pair of walks, and a homer on 41 pitches, leaving time to tell if his play improves whenever he's called up from Triple-A Gwinnett.
With how the Braves' season is unfolding, it might not be long before Chavez is back in the big leagues. Atlanta owned the MLB's ninth-worst bullpen ERA (5.40) as of Friday afternoon, meaning Brian Snitker & Co. could be open to any potential changes if it means getting the unit (and the team as a whole) back on track.
In the meantime, look for Chavez to try finding consistency when the Gwinnett Stripers begin a three-game series with the Nashville Sounds on Friday night. If he can successfully turn back the clock by becoming a reliable reliever again, the San Gabriel, CA native's Groundhog Day Experience might finally be over.