The Brewers have declined their options on left-handed relievers Andrew Chafin and Justin Wilson, tweets Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Chafin, a 33-year-old lefty reliever, lingered on the free agent market last winter until mid-February. He signed a one-year, $6.25MM deal to return to the Diamondbacks, the team that made him a first-round pick out of Kent State nearly 12 years prior. Chafin took a share of Arizona’s closing duties this year, logging eight saves but with some rough outings along the way. He was able to punch out nearly a third of batters faced with Arizona, but also walked 12% of them. Having added Paul Sewald from the Mariners, the D’Backs shipped Chafin to Milwaukee for righty Peter Strzelecki.
Chafin struggled mightily with the Brewers, unable to curb the walks or maintain a healthy strikeout rate. In a stretch in late August, Chafin was battered for nine earned runs in 3 1/3 innings spanning five outings. He righted the ship in September, at least ERA-wise, but the southpaw’s $725K buyout was an easy call for the Brewers as compared to his $7.25MM club option.
Wilson, another veteran lefty, did not pitch in 2023. He underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2022, after which the Brewers signed him on a $1MM guarantee. The Brewers reinstated Wilson from the 60-day IL in late July, but before he could get into a game he went back to the IL with a lat strain. That injury knocked him out for the rest of the season, leaving little chance Milwaukee would choose the $2.5MM club option over his $150K buyout.
Chafin and Wilson will join the free agent market for lefty relievers, and figure to sign one-year deals.
The Brewers do have some lefty depth in the bullpen, as Hoby Milner posted a fine 2023 season. Aaron Ashby, who underwent April labrum surgery, wasn’t able to build back up to help the Brewers this year but should be good to go in Spring Training. Ashby is a potential rotation candidate as well.
God I’d rather have Chafin over Raley, please Sterns make the right choice. Raley is a good lefty garbage time reliever
I’ll take Chafin in philly…
Do not count on that!
Better off not having a lefty than having Chafin. 2023 tOPS+ of 103 and sOPS+ of 103 vs LH batters
I liked Chafin when he was in Chicago. Wouldn’t be mad if he made his way back to the North Side. Not spectacular, but a solid pitcher.
Might earn a shot back with the Cubs for cheap deal!
He’s the kind of flyer they’ve taken beforedthat’s worked out, Actually he WAS the kind of flyer they’ve taken before!
Actually he WAS the kind of flyer they took before that did work out.
Padres should scoop up Wilson for some cheap, experienced, bullpen depth.
He got hurt again while warming up for a game in July, may have been his last shot.
If you like walking the bases loaded in the 8th, sure
Chafin is trash and Wilson will just get injured again
He’ll be a north side champ in 24’.
Go Cubs Go!
Come to Texas!
Hopefully Chafin will head back to the Tigers where he should have resigned last year. Fingers crossed.
I like Wilson as a gamble for the Braves to see what happens. Cheap contract if possible
Chafin s always worth a shot, even at his age.
Chafin was so terrible with the Brewers. Can’t believe anyone would want him.
Don’t care what Chafin WAS. He had a great opportunity with the Brewers and blew it. It’s good he’s gone
Will not lose any sleep on this one. Good moves!
Wilson was a Cub as well. Probably one will end up back in Chicago’s North side next season. And maybe the other goes South to 35th St.