Reds' 35-year old pitcher leaves contract to pursue spot with new MLB team

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May 4, 2026 - 14:38

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Reds' 35-year old pitcher leaves contract to pursue spot with new MLB team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Andrew Chafin is going to look for an opportunity elsewhere.

He hadn't yet been given a chance to pitch in the major leagues this season for the Cincinnati Reds, and he's leaving his contract.

The news was reported by insider Jon Heyman on Monday, that Chafin has opted-out of his deal and is now a free agent.

Veterans often have a date in their contract that, if they haven't been promoted to MLB by that time, allows them to leave their deal in pursuit of a new opportunity. It appears Chafin had that and has activated it.

The 35-year old lefty was once a first-round pick way back in 2011 by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He's developed into a reliable bullpen arm with a career 3.35 MLB ERA in 643 games.

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Chafin is well traveled, having pitched for the Diamondbacks, Tigers, Cubs, Athletics, Nationals, Rangers, Brewers and Angels.

Originally from Collins, Ohio, he has yet to pitch for his close-to-hometown Cleveland Guardians, but it's not clear at this point what teams might be in pursuit.

Clubs could always use another lefty reliever, especially one as well-established as Chafin.

At Triple-A Louisville this season, Chafin has made 10 appearances and has a 0.96 ERA. He has eight strikeouts in 9.1 innings pitched.

Chafin split last season between the Nationals (2.70 ERA in 26 outings) and Angels (1.98 ERA in 16 outings). He clearly seems to still have effective stuff, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him sign somewhere soon.