There are few constants in the game of baseball as it is constantly evolving as a sport for better or worse. There are teams that are always going to spend and compete, there are others that are just going to rob their fans blind while fielding a subpar roster, everyone seems to hate Rob Manfred (and with some pretty good reasons), and the Atlanta Braves love Jesse Chavez like no other.

Heading into 2025, most thought that Chavez would make his way back to the Braves once he decided to continue playing and he did just that back in March after he failed to latch on with the Rangers in camp. Atlanta even promoted him to the big league roster after their nightmarish start to the season once it became apparent that new bullpen addition Hector Neris wasn’t ready.

All of that was in jeopardy after Chavez was designated for assignment a few days ago. At Chavez’s age, it is probably fair to say that his opportunities are running out and the Braves cutting bait so quickly wasn’t a ringing endorsement as to where he stands at the moment. However, hope remains that we could see Chavez again after he immediately returned to the Braves on a minor league deal.

Jesse Chavez’s return to the Braves is hilariously on brand, but doesn’t really change bullpen’s short-term outlook

This is some pretty hilarious stuff that Atlanta found a way to add Chavez back twice in a span of a couple of weeks. As long as Chavez is willing to keep playing and he is even remotely capable, it is abundantly clear that he will have a spot in Atlanta’s organization. If you are wanting to circle a name that is likely to play a role as a coach at some level for the Braves in the near future, Chavez may be a mortal lock.

Jesse Chavez is a double agent pic.twitter.com/R2DjivEDC7

— Podcast Doesn't Exist (@PodcastDoesnt) March 28, 2025

However, bringing Chavez back probably doesn’t move the needle much at the big league level for the Braves. While Chavez could make his way back to the big leagues in a pinch for Atlanta, the team is going to need other names to emerge as real bullpen depth. The hope is that Craig Kimbrel can round into form quickly and provide that depth after signing with the Braves late in the offseason or another arm or two in the minors make make their case.

The Braves need SOMEONE to step up because it is abundantly clear that Atlanta’s failure to reinforce their bullpen this offseason is going to be a problem. It is fun that Chavez has stuck around yet again and he could chip in a bit, but finding a real relief solution is quickly becoming a top priority for the Braves in 2025.