Jesse Chavez, MLB Veteran and RCC Alumnus, Announces Retirement After Remarkable MLB Journey

 Jesse Chavez, a long-time Major League Baseball veteran and proud Riverside City College (RCC) alumnus, has announced his retirement after an illustrious 18-year career in professional baseball. Chavez’s remarkable journey, which included 657 career appearances and multiple trades, serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere. 

A Riverside native, Chavez’s baseball story began at RCC, where he first gained attention for his skill on the mound. He played for the RCC Tigers in the early 2000s, quickly establishing himself as a standout pitcher. Chavez’s talent was evident from the start, and his time at RCC laid the foundation for his successful career in the majors. 

Chavez was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2002 MLB Draft out of Riverside Community College. His professional journey took a pivotal turn when he was acquired by the Chicago White Sox in February 2024 via a minor league deal, many years into his career. Chavez played with the White Sox for a short period before being released by the team in March 2024, marking the final chapter of his playing career. 

Chavez made his MLB debut in 2008 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and went on to play for several other teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, and Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Primarily a relief pitcher, Chavez made 657 career appearances, with 85 starts throughout his career. Known for his durability and ability to make adjustments, he became one of the most reliable bullpen arms in the league. His versatility, combined with his ability to stay in the game through a variety of roles, earned him a solid reputation among his peers and managers. Chavez was also the most-traded player in MLB history, having been traded 11 times throughout his career, a testament to his adaptability and value to every team he played for. 

One of the defining moments of his career came in 2021, when Chavez was a part of the Atlanta Braves' World Series championship team. During the postseason, Chavez made seven scoreless appearances, playing a pivotal role in the team’s championship run.