Jesse Chavez Retires After Remarkable 18 MLB Seasons

Right-handed veteran pitcher Jesse Chavez has officially declared retirement from Major League Baseball following an outstanding 18-year career, on nine teams and ten trades.

From 42nd-Round Pick to MLB Mainstay

Jesse Chavez Retires After Remarkable 18 MLB Seasons

The 41-year-old publicly announced it on a live appearance on the "Foul Territory" show, only days after he was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves for the third time this year.

"In all honesty, I haven't picked up a baseball since my last pitch in St. Louis [July 13]. As of now, I don't think we're going to keep going. I think this is it. Time to turn the page, focus on the next chapter in life."

Chavez's road to the big leagues was far from traditional. Drafted in the 42nd round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers out of Riverside City College in California, few would have foreseen the longevity and success of his career.

He debuted in MLB with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008 and was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2009, the first of numerous times he'd be a part of the Atlanta roster. Throughout his career, Chavez pitched for nine different MLB teams, including several different periods with the Blue Jays, Angels, Rangers, and Cubs.

Chavez's Stint With the Braves Was Unforgettable

Though Chavez contributed throughout the league, his stint with the Atlanta Braves had the most impact. Over six spells with Atlanta, Chavez had a 3.30 ERA and fanned 228 batters in 229 1/3 innings of work. His play was particularly impressive when the team made it to the 2021 World Series, as he went for a 0.00 ERA in seven playoff outings.

According to Sports Illustrated, although he appeared in 657 major league games and started 85, Chavez worked mostly out of the bullpen. He compiled a 51-66 record and 4.27 ERA by the time he retired.

Although never a consistent All-Star, Chavez established himself as one of the game's most reliable career couch surfers, modeling his pitching style and attitude over almost two decades in the big leagues.

Chavez Overdelivers For a 42nd-round Pick

Reflecting on his journey, Chavez told Foul Territory that his MLB career has been a "great ride." He acknowledged his efforts to exceed expectations from a 42nd-round Draft pick. At the end of the day, he just wanted to throw a baseball and came back to what he always does.

His resiliency and perseverance rendered him one of the most-traded players in the history of Major League Baseball, but it was the same tenacity that kept him useful deep into his 40s.

From middle reliever to World Series contributor, Chavez proves that professionalism, determination, and greatness can exist in a single sentence. It's all about his heart and hustle, showing the MLB world how a late-round selection can become a big-time player.

Last week, Kyle Gibson announced his retirement after 13 MLB seasons. The right-handed pitcher said that he wanted to go home and explore a new chapter of his life.