The San Francisco Giants have made another move to strengthen their staff, hiring former big-leaguer Jesse Chavez as the team’s new bullpen coach. The 42-year-old retired from playing just months ago, stepping away in July after being released by the Atlanta Braves. Chavez brings nearly two decades of major-league experience to the dugout, joining former big leaguers Javier López and Curt Casali, who were recently added as front-office advisors.

Chavez spent 18 seasons as a reliable reliever, appearing in 657 games and posting a 4.27 ERA while pitching for nine different teams. He never played for the Giants, but he did spend four seasons in the Bay Area with the Oakland Athletics. Known for his versatility out of the bullpen, Chavez has a deep understanding of pitching at the highest level, which will be crucial as the Giants work to retool their relief corps. He takes over for Garvin Alston, who had held the bullpen coach role for the past two seasons.

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The Giants’ bullpen, which was among the league’s best in the first half of 2025, faces a significant rebuild. Trades of Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval, along with closer Randy Rodríguez’s late-season Tommy John surgery, have left the staff in need of experienced guidance. Chavez’s background as a long reliever and exposure to multiple pitching staffs give him a unique perspective to help both veterans and younger pitchers navigate the challenges ahead.

Adding López and Casali to the front office gives the Giants additional expertise. Both bring firsthand knowledge of the game and connections across the league, complementing the analytical approach the organization has been building. Longtime analytics executive Paul Bien was also promoted to assistant general manager, underscoring the team’s strategy of blending data-driven decision-making with on-field experience.

Chavez’s quick shift from player to coach highlights a growing trend in baseball, where recently retired players move swiftly into developmental or coaching roles. His firsthand experience with the grind of a major-league season will allow him to relate directly to pitchers dealing with high-pressure situations, making him a strong mentor for the bullpen during a transitional offseason.

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With these moves, the Giants are clearly aiming to address both immediate roster needs and long-term growth. Chavez brings leadership and stability to a bullpen that will need it, while López, Casali, and Bien provide support and strategic insight behind the scenes. Together, these hires signal a thoughtful, balanced approach to building a team that can compete now while preparing for the future.