The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2025 campaign as one of the top teams in the MLB once again, and even with Opening Day right around the corner, the front office is still looking for ways to improve their squad. That once again led to them reuniting with a familiar face, as veteran relief pitcher Jesse Chavez is back with the Braves.

Chavez has spent the vast majority of the past four seasons with Atlanta, as he spent time with Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels in 2022 before finding his way back to the Braves. After latching on with the Texas Rangers, only to get released ahead of the start of the season, Chavez has once again returned to Atlanta, signing a minor league deal with them on Sunday morning.

“The inevitable has happened: Braves signed Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal, after the 41-year-old was released by the Texas Rangers a couple of days ago,” David O'Brien of The Athletic reported in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Braves turn to Jesse Chavez once again in search of bullpen help

Related Atlanta Braves NewsArticle continues below
Atlanta Braves right fielder Jarred Kelenic (24) hits a single against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning at Truist Park.
1 player Atlanta Braves must trade before 2025 deadline
Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a three-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park.
Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. takes important step towards injury return
Atlanta Braves infielder Garrett Cooper (59) takes photos during media day CoolToday Park.
Braves release former All-Star
Atlanta Braves pitcher Jesse Chavez (60) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning in game one of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park.
Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Chavez has bounced around the MLB since 2008, and this will now be his fifth separate stint with the Braves. Even at the age of 41, Chavez can still be a valuable contributor in the bullpen, as he took the mound in 46 games for Atlanta in 2024, posting a 3.13 earned run average while racking up 55 strikeouts over 63.1 innings pitched. Chavez previously won a World Series with the Braves in 2021 as a key piece of their bullpen.

There's no guarantee Chavez will find his way to the majors right now, as he's only been signed to a minor league deal, but he's proven he can still pitch, and stashing him in the minors early in the season gives the team a nice layer of insurance should someone get injured or struggle. So with that in mind, this could end up being a shrewd under-the-radar move for Atlanta.