Originally posted on MLB Trade Rumors | By Steve Adams | Last updated 2/26/21
The Angels have agreed to a minor-league contract with free-agent right-hander Jesse Chavez, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network (Twitterlinks). He’ll join their MLB camp once the deal is official and once he goes through intake protocols.
It’s the second Angels stint for Chavez, who struggled as a member of the Halos back in 2017 (138 innings, 5.35 ERA). He went on to rebound with the Rangers and Cubs the following season, parlaying that strong showing into a two-year pact to return to Texas.
The 37-year-old Chavez is a well-traveled and experienced arm who has pitched both as a starting pitcher, a long reliever and a late-inning/high-leverage reliever. After bouncing between the Pirates, Royals, Braves and Blue Jays early in his career, Chavez found himself with the 2013 A’s and has been a steady presence on MLB rosters since that time.
Spring Training to look different this year
Things certainly could look different when spring training games begin Sunday, with managers allowed to mutually determine in advance how many innings their teams need or want to play.
The Canadian Press Charlie Montoyo , Blue Jays Media
Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon figures players can find plenty to do with any extra time they could get at the end of days if spring training games don t go nine innings.
“Maybe slide out for some golf. If not, head home, hit the couch and watch some basketball right now,” McMahon said.
Or maybe even some extra batting practice.
Photo provided by Vermont Lake Monsters
Good morning, Athletics Nation!
The minor leagues got a major realignment this winter. The whole system was pared down to 120 teams, with four affiliates for each MLB parent club. The Oakland A’s will still play Triple-A in Las Vegas and Double-A in Midland, while Stockton moves down to Low-A, and Lansing joins the organization in High-A. Beloit switches to the Marlins’ farm. Click here for more details on the new setup.
However, one former A’s affiliate was left out in the cold entirely. The Vermont Lake Monsters spent nine years as Oakland’s short-season Low-A club, as part of the NY-Penn League, where particularly young prospects and recent draft picks would often get their first brief taste of pro ball before moving up to a full-season league. But the short-season level was eliminated entirely as part of the recent changes, and the Lake Monsters weren’t re-assigned higher up the ladder.
By GREG BEACHAMFebruary 27, 2021 GMT
FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols waves to players in the Colorado Rockies dugout in the second inning of a baseball game in Denver. Pujols’ wife apparently disclosed that the Angels slugger will retire after the upcoming season, although she later amended her social media post to be less definitive. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols waves to players in the Colorado Rockies dugout in the second inning of a baseball game in Denver. Pujols’ wife apparently disclosed that the Angels slugger will retire after the upcoming season, although she later amended her social media post to be less definitive. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
MLB Trade Rumors
The Angels have agreed to a minor league contract with free-agent right-hander
Jesse Chavez, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network (Twitter links). He’ll join their Major League camp once the deal is official and once he goes through intake protocols.
It’s the second Angels stint for Chavez, who struggled as a member of the Halos back in 2017 (138 innings, 5.35 ERA). He went on to rebound with the Rangers and Cubs the following season, parlaying that strong showing into a two-year pact to return to Texas.
The 37-year-old Chavez is a well-traveled and experienced arm who has pitched both as a starting pitcher, a long reliever and a late-inning/high-leverage reliever. After bouncing between the Pirates, Royals, Braves and Blue Jays early in his career, Chavez found himself with the 2013 A’s and has been a steady presence on MLB rosters since that time.