Andrew

Chafin

Chafin was cut loose by the Twins at the end of spring training despite their lack of compelling bullpen options. Now, he’ll try to catch on with the Reds as an additional lefty to add to their mix. He probably still has something in the tank too after putting up a 2.41 ERA across 42 appearances with the Nationals and Angels last season while still displaying strong swing-and-miss stuff. Walks became an issue for him though with 19 over 33 2/3 innings.

The 35-year-old southpaw was informed that he would not make the team’s Opening Day bullpen, so this gives him an opportunity to latch on elsewhere if he can find an interested team. Chafin registered a 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 5/3 K/BB ratio over six innings during Grapefruit League play. Given the lack of quality bullpen depth around the league, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him land on his feet in the coming days.

It’s qualifies as a surprise that Chafin was forced to settle for a non-roster invite with the rebuilding Twins given his extensive experience as a high-leverage option at the highest level. The 35-year-old southpaw compiled a strong 2.41 ERA — 3.44 xERA — 1.43 WHIP and 36/19 K/BB ratio across 33 2/3 innings over 42 appearances between the Nationals and Angels last year. He’ll compete for a spot in Minnesota’s season-opening bullpen and offers some appeal for contenders in a couple months as a trade deadline target.

At this point in the season, it’s very likely that the injury will cost the 35-year-old southpaw the rest of the year. Chafin pitched very well in 16 appearances with the team, registering a 1.98 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and an 18/7 K/BB ratio over 13 2/3 innings. He’ll be a free agent at season’s end.

Chafin has made 27 appearances for Washington in 2025 with a 2.70 ERA. The 35-year-old southpaw will be a bridge to closer Kenley Jansen over the final two months of the 2025 campaign.

The Nationals will acquire left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown in the deal, per Golden. Chafin has been a solid relief option for Washington at the age of 35, and he and Garcia will both provide middle-inning help for a team that is closer to contention than anyone could have imagined to begin 2025.

Chafin missed just-over two weeks with the strain. He’ll return to a middle-innings role with Washington now that he’s healthy enough to compete.

The Nationals had been hopeful that Chafin’s hamstring issue was minor and that he could work through it without requiring a trip to the injured list, but after playing with a shorthanded bullpen for a couple of nights the decision was made to make a move. Ryan Loutos was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to take his place in the Nats’ bullpen.

No word yet on the financial terms of the deal. The 34-year-old southpaw exercised the opt-out clause in his contract with the Tigers on Thursday, and it didn’t take him long to find a new gig. Chafin had been pitching well for the Mudhens, posting a 2.13 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and a 17/4 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings.

Instead, Chafin will report to Triple-A Toledo. The veteran left-hander all but assuredly has an opt-out clause, so his stay in Toledo will likely be short whether he’s called up by the Tigers or not.