Updated: May 1, 2025 | Published: May 1, 2025
DETROIT – Veteran left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin has opted out of his minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers and signed a major-league deal with the Washington Nationals.
Chafin, who will turn 35 in June, previously played for the Tigers in both 2022 and 2024. He rejoined the team on a minor-league deal during spring training after failing to secure a major-league contract during the offseason.
In 2024, Chafin was traded to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline, with the Tigers receiving minor-league pitchers Joseph Montalvo and Chase Lee in return. Lee made his big-league debut last week and now lives near Chafin at a park between Toledo and Detroit.
At the time of the trade, the Tigers had largely given up on the 2024 season, while the defending champion Rangers were preparing for a postseason push. However, the Tigers defied expectations and made an improbable playoff run, while the Rangers struggled.
Chafin was one of the Tigers’ most reliable relievers in 2024, posting a 3.16 ERA with 50 strikeouts and 16 walks in 37 innings before being traded. However, his time with the Rangers was less successful, as he struggled with control, issuing 15 walks in 19⅓ innings. The Rangers declined his $6.5 million club option after the season, sending him back into free agency.
During his first stint with the Tigers in 2022, Chafin had a 2.83 ERA in 57⅓ innings, striking out 67 and walking 19. After that season, he opted out of his contract, turning down a $6.5 million player option to seek a more lucrative deal. His gamble didn’t fully pay off, as he ultimately signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Chafin had a strong season with the Diamondbacks in 2023 but was traded to the Brewers in a surprising deadline deal. Much like in 2024, he struggled with his new team before returning to the Tigers after the Brewers declined his option.
Chafin’s third stint with the Tigers came under less favorable conditions. After not receiving a major-league offer, he initially declined to speak with reporters until he was once again part of a big-league team.
Although Chafin didn’t make the Tigers’ roster out of spring training, he performed well for their Triple-A affiliate, the Mud Hens, posting a 2.13 ERA in 12⅔ innings with four walks and 17 strikeouts.
That performance caught the attention of the Nationals, who DFA’d struggling lefty Colin Poche to make room for Chafin.
As part of his contract with the Tigers, Chafin had several opt-out dates, one of which was May 1. The Tigers could have kept him by adding him to the roster but chose not to, as they already had established left-handers Tyler Holton and Brant Hurter in the bullpen, and recent call-up Sean Guenther was working to build on his strong finish to 2024.
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