Former Blue Jays relief pitcher signs with Atlanta

Chavez first pitched for the Braves in 2010. After playing for eight other teams, including stints with the Blue Jays in 2012 and 2016, he returned to Atlanta in 2021. He would go on to play for the Braves twice more in 2022, with a brief stopover with the Angels in between.

Despite the late signing, Chavez has a chance to earn a spot in Atlanta's bullpen, with the final spot likely coming down to a competition between him and young prospect AJ Smith-Shawver.

If Chavez makes the opening day roster, it will mark his 18th consecutive season in Major League Baseball, as he made his debut in 2008. He had previously signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers before being released on Friday.

During his two seasons with the Blue Jays, Chavez posted a combined 2-3 record with a 5.89 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 62.2 innings over 48 games, including two starts. He also recorded four career saves.

It's worth noting that his former general manager with the Blue Jays, Alex Anthopoulos, is now the GM of the Braves. Clearly, Anthopoulos is a fan of Chavez, and it's easy to see why.

Although Chavez has a career 4.24 ERA, he's had significant success with the Braves over the past few seasons, posting a 21-9 record with a 3.09 ERA in his five seasons with the club.

That 3.09 ERA is the second-lowest of his career, surpassed only by a 1.81 mark during his two seasons with the Cubs, though he appeared in just 35 games with Chicago.

Chavez is 41 years old.