Jesse Chavez has officially embarked on his first coaching position with the San Francisco Giants, stepping into the bullpen coach role after concluding an 18-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career. The announcement came in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Chavez’s path to coaching intriguingly began through a shared interest in video gaming years earlier.
Chavez, an avid gamer, connected with Quentin Eberhardt—a future colleague—while playing Call of Duty in 2018 during his time with the Texas Rangers. This online friendship eventually turned into a professional relationship when both ended up on the Chicago Cubs staff, Eberhardt as head strength and conditioning coach, and Chavez as a player. Their bond later influenced Chavez’s recruitment to the Giants.
From Virtual Games to Real-World Coaching Opportunity
The genesis of Chavez’s coaching hire stemmed from Eberhardt’s recommendation to Tony Vitello, the Giants’ new manager. Vitello, who previously worked with Eberhardt at the University of Tennessee, was seeking someone to fill the bullpen coach vacancy.
Eberhardt praised Chavez extensively for both his career accomplishments and personal character.
“You look at what he’s done in his career, you look at who he is as a human, it’s like one plus one equals two. I didn’t do anything — Jesse did,”
Eberhardt said.
“Jesse’s done everything in his career. He works his butt off. He’s a great human. He’s great with people, great with communicating, knows the game and wants to help the game.”
Vitello echoed similar praise, noting Chavez’s humility despite a high-profile playing career.
“To play on national television and be on winning teams and get asked for autographs and interviews, it can inflate your ego — and it probably should a little bit,”
Vitello explained.
“But to come in and put that in your back pocket; be one of the guys; offer up good advice when it’s asked for; and take a back seat and just listen even though your knowledge is probably off the charts … it’s been a really refreshing balance.”
Overview of Jesse Chavez’s Extensive MLB Journey
At 42, Chavez enters coaching with a wealth of experience from a long MLB journey marked by frequent team changes. Originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2002 draft—a round since eliminated—he debuted six years later with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over his career, Chavez played for nine different teams, including the Braves, Royals, Blue Jays, Athletics, Dodgers, Angels, Rangers, Cubs, and Pirates.
Though mostly a journeyman reliever, Chavez often returned to previous organizations, having multiple stints with several clubs such as the Blue Jays, Rangers, Braves, Cubs, and Angels. Notably, he won a World Series title with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 during one of his five tenures with the team. His final MLB appearance was with the Braves in July 2025, shortly before he retired.
Chavez attributes his frequent returns to teams primarily to his positive attitude and professionalism. He said,
“Obviously, we have those moments where we walk out of the field clumping our fists, but I was never too low. I was on a one-year contract my entire career, for the most part. Part of it was minor league deals, so I didn’t have the chance or the luxury to do that, or kick the dirt around or stuff like that.”
He added,
“So I just think it was how I presented myself out there and showed who I was being on the inside.”
Transitioning to Coaching with a Clear Philosophy
Chavez retired in mid-2025 and wasted little time before accepting the Giants’ bullpen coach position, replacing Garvin Alston. He viewed the 2025 season as a transition year, motivated in part by the uncertainty surrounding MLB’s labor situation in 2027. To avoid a prolonged absence from baseball, Chavez aimed to start coaching by 2026.
Approaching coaching with the same mentality that made him a respected teammate, Chavez emphasizes consistency and preparation.
“Show up every day, forget yesterday, prepare for today,”
he said, firmly standing by the principle that his identity would remain consistent despite moving into a non-playing role.
He warned against the tendency for some players-turned-coaches to dramatically change their personality after switching roles.
“I feel like I’ve seen it too many times where you get into the coaches’ box, and now all of a sudden, it’s got to be a different thing. No, no,”
Chavez said.
“I feel like those ones kind of run their way out. So, I don’t want to do that. I don’t want them to think, ‘Oh, he was this, and I heard all this, and then now, all of a sudden, he’s going to do this.’ I don’t work that way. It’s one way I never believed in.”
Challenges Ahead for the Giants’ Bullpen Staff
The bullpen that Chavez now manages faces notable difficulties heading into the new season. Despite ranking fourth in ERA across MLB last year, the Giants will be without key contributors. Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers were traded, and All-Star Randy Rodríguez is sidelined through 2027 following Tommy John surgery.
The team has signed new pitchers Sam Hentges and Jason Foley, though their availability is limited; Foley will not return until midseason, and Hentges is unlikely to be ready by Opening Day. Left-hander Erik Miller also remains uncertain due to a back issue.
General manager Zack Minasian expressed cautious optimism,
“I think you try to keep an open mind. We think there’s arm talent on the 40-man roster. We think there’s some non-roster invites that have come in with arm talent as well.”
Mentorship and Legacy as Chavez Begins Coaching Career
While Jesse Chavez is known for his pitching abilities, his intellectual approach to the game has been notable throughout his career, contributing to its longevity and now easing his shift into coaching. Reflecting on key influences, he spoke at length about individuals such as college coach Dennis Rogers and the late Hector Ortiz, underlining the importance of mentorship in baseball.
In his new role, Chavez aims to extend that same kind of guidance to the San Francisco Giants’ pitching staff.
Meanwhile, the video game rivalry that helped spark Chavez’s coaching opportunity remains lighthearted. Quentin Eberhardt jokingly declared his superior gaming skill, “That’s not even a question,” he said.
“I love him. That’s my brother, but it’s not even a question. He’ll tell you that.”
