Andrew Chafin
Andrew Gregory Chafin (born June 17, 1990), nicknamed "Big Country" and "the Sheriff", is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels.
| Andrew Chafin | |
|---|---|
 Chafin with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016 | |
| Cincinnati Reds | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: June 17, 1990 Kettering, Ohio, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 13, 2014, for the Arizona Diamondbacks | |
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 22–28 |
| Earned run average | 3.35 |
| Strikeouts | 591 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Andrew Gregory Chafin (born June 17, 1990), nicknamed "Big Country" and "the Sheriff",[1] is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels.
Amateur career
[edit]Chafin is from Wakeman, Ohio.[2] He attended Western Reserve High School in Collins, Ohio, and played for the school's baseball team. He pitched a no-hitter in his final high school game.[3]
Chafin attended Kent State University, and played college baseball for the Kent State Golden Flashes. As a freshman in 2009, he was the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year after he had a 1.26 earned run average (ERA), eight saves and 55 strikeouts over 35+2⁄3 innings pitched.[4] In 2010, he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the 2010 season.[5][6] He returned in 2011 as a starter and had a 2.02 ERA with 105 strikeouts over 89 innings. After the 2011 season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[7][8]
Professional career
[edit]Arizona Diamondbacks
[edit]The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Chafin in the first round with the 43rd overall selection of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.[9] He made his professional debut for the Arizona League Diamondbacks, pitching in one game, recording two strikeouts over one inning. Pitching for the Visalia Rawhide in 2012, he recorded a 4.93 ERA with 150 strikeouts over 122+1⁄3. He started the 2013 season with Visalia and was promoted to the Mobile BayBears during the season.[10] Overall, he had a 3.20 ERA and 119 strikeouts over 157+1⁄3.
Chafin made his Major League debut on August 13, 2014, against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field, pitching five innings allowing three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts, earning a no-decision.[11] In his second start and first major league at-bat on September 17, 2014, for the Arizona Diamondbacks, he hit a run batted in single.[12]
Chafin was converted into a reliever for the 2015 season, a season in which he finished 5–1 with a 2.76 ERA in 66 games for the D'Backs.[13] In 2016, just like the majority of the pitching staff, Chafin struggled throughout the season, appearing in 32 games with a 6.75 ERA.[14] Chafin bounced back the following season, being used now as a situational left hander out of the bullpen. In 71 games, he had a 3.51 ERA for the D'Backs.[15]
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In 2018, Chafin was continued to be used as a situational lefty out of the bullpen, pitching 49+1⁄3 innings. His record was 1–6 in a career high 77 games.[16]
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In 2019, Chafin appeared in 77 games for the second consecutive season, finishing with a record of 2–2 in 52+2⁄3 innings..[17] In 2020, with the new 3-batter rule, Chafin wasn't used solely as a left handed specialist and he struggled during the first half of the season with the team. In 11 games, he was 1–1 with a career worst 8.10 earned run average and 10 strikeouts in 6+2⁄3 innings pitched.[18]
Chicago Cubs
[edit]Chafin was traded to the Chicago Cubs on August 31, 2020, the trade deadline of the shortened season, in exchange for Ronny Simon.[19] Chafin pitched to a 3.00 ERA in 4 games with the Cubs to finish the year. Between both the Diamondbacks and Cubs, Chafin recorded a 6.52 earned run average and tallied 13 strikeouts in 9+2⁄3 innings pitched.[20]
On February 2, 2021, Chafin re-signed with the Cubs on a one-year, $2.25 million contract that included a mutual option for 2022.[21] On June 24, 2021, Chafin pitched a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, and Craig Kimbrel.[22] In 43 appearances for the Cubs in 2021, Chafin recorded a 2.06 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 39+1⁄3 innings of work.[23]
Oakland Athletics
[edit]On July 27, 2021, the Cubs traded Chafin to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Greg Deichmann and Daniel Palencia.[24] Between the two teams in 2021, Chafin pitched in 71 games, boasting a 1.83 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 68+2⁄3 innings.[18]
Detroit Tigers
[edit]On March 17, 2022, Chafin signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.[25][26] On April 6 (retroactive to April 4), the Tigers placed Chafin on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain.[27] He made 64 appearances for the 2022 Tigers, posting 3 saves and a 2.83 ERA, with 67 strikeouts in 57+1⁄3 innings.
Chafin opted out of the second year of his Tigers contract on November 6, 2022, making him a free agent.[28]
Arizona Diamondbacks (second stint)
[edit]On February 15, 2023, Chafin signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[29][30] Chafin appeared in 43 games for the Diamondbacks, recording a 4.19 earned run average and 49 strikeouts in 34+1⁄3 innings pitched.[18]
Milwaukee Brewers
[edit]On August 1, 2023, Chafin was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for pitcher Peter Strzelecki.[31] He became a free agent following the season.
Chafin appeared in 20 games for the Brewers recording a 5.82 earned run average and 14 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. Between both the Diamondbacks and Brewers, Chafin appeared in 63 games, finishing with a 4.73 earned run average and 63 strikeouts across 51+1⁄3 innings.[18]
Detroit Tigers (second stint)
[edit]On December 12, 2023, Chafin signed with the Tigers on a one-year, $4.25 million contract that included a club option for 2025.[32] In 41 appearances for the Tigers in 2024, Chafin recorded a 3.16 ERA with 50 strikeouts across 37 innings pitched.[18]
Texas Rangers
[edit]On July 30, 2024, Chafin was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Chase Lee and Joseph Montalvo.[33] In 21 appearances with the Rangers, he posted a 1-1 record, a 4.19 ERA, and struck out 20 batters in 19+1⁄3 innings pitched. On November 4, the Rangers declined his option for the 2025 season making him a free agent.[34]
Detroit Tigers (third stint)
[edit]On February 24, 2025, Chafin signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.[35] In 13 appearances for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, he posted a 2-0 record and 2.13 ERA with 17 strikeouts across 12+2⁄3 innings pitched. Chafin was released by the Tigers organization on April 30.[36]
Washington Nationals
[edit]On May 1, 2025, Chafin signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Washington Nationals.[37] Chafin appeared in 26 games for the Nationals, recording a 2.70 earned run average and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.[18]
Los Angeles Angels
[edit]On July 30, 2025, the Nationals traded Chafin and Luis García to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Jake Eder and Sam Brown.[38]
Minnesota Twins
[edit]On February 14, 2026, Chafin signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.[39] He was released by Minnesota prior to the start of the regular season on March 20.[40]
Cincinnati Reds
[edit]On March 27, 2026, Chafin signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[41]
Pitch selection
[edit]Chafin throws a four-seam fastball and a two-seam sinking fastball that each average 92 to 94 MPH (topping out at 97 MPH). His main offspeed pitch is a mid-80s slider.[42]
Personal life
[edit]Chafin and his wife, Shelbi, have two daughters and a son. They live on a farm near Massillon, Ohio.[43]
References
[edit]- ^ "Andrew Chafin - Baseball-Reference.com". Pro Baseball Reference. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ^ Andrew Chafin – 2011 Baseball – Kent State University Retrieved May 25, 2018.
- ^ "Lefty Dominates Mapleton / Western Reserve's Andrew Chafin Throws No-Hitter In Final High School Game". The Times-Gazette. May 28, 2008. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ "Chafin named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year at Kent State". The Morning Journal. May 27, 2009. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ Alexander, Elton (May 27, 2011). "Kent State's Andrew Chafin is healthy again, and eyes of Major League Baseball are on him". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ Hazelwood, Mark (May 24, 2010). "Former Firelands Conference pitchers follow similar paths". Sandusky Register. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League" (PDF). capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin". pointstreak.com. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ Gilbert, Steve (May 24, 2013). "Kent State lefty Chafin rounds out D-backs' day". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ Inabinett, Mark (June 2, 2013). "Pitcher Andrew Chafin angling for victories with Mobile BayBears". Al.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ Magruder, Jack (September 17, 2014). "D-backs plan to give Chafin 2 starts". Fox Sports.
- ^ "Baseball Capsules". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Associated Press. September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin 2015 Pitching Splits". ESPN. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin 2016 Pitching Splits". ESPN. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin 2017 Pitching Splits". ESPN. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin 2018 Pitching Splits". ESPN. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin 2019 Pitching Splits". ESPN. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Andrew Chafin MLB Stats". MLB.com. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "Cubs acquire Andrew Chafin, Josh Osich and Cameron Maybin at MLB trade deadline". CBSSports.com. August 31, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin 2020 Pitching Splits". ESPN. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "Cubs, Andrew Chafin Agree to Major League Deal". February 2, 2021.
- ^ Garcia, Megan (June 25, 2021). "Cubs combine to throw record-tying no-hitter". MLB.com. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com.
- ^ "A's acquire Chafin from Cubs for 2 minor leaguers". July 27, 2021.
- ^ Beck, Jason (March 17, 2022). "Tigers fortify 'pen, agree to 2-year deal with Chafin". MLB.com. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
- ^ "Detroit Tigers, reliever Andrew Chafin agree to two-year, $13M deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
- ^ Petzold, Evan (April 6, 2022). "Detroit Tigers roster moves: Jose Cisnero to 60-day injured list; Willi Castro to Triple-A". freep.com. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
- ^ Beck, Jason (November 7, 2022). "Chafin opts out of deal with Tigers". MLB.com. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
- ^ "Diamondbacks Sign Andrew Chafin". MLB Trade Rumors. February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
- ^ "D-backs agree to terms with Andrew Chafin on a 1-year contract". mlb.com. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
- ^ "Brewers add veteran reliever Andrew Chafin, trade away Luis Urías in separate deal".
- ^ Passan, Jeff (December 10, 2023). "Reports: Tigers, LHP Chafin agree to 1-year deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
- ^ "Rangers agree on deal for lefty reliever Chafin". mlb.com. MLB. July 30, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ "Rangers Decline Andrew Chafin's Club Option". November 4, 2024.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin signs minor league deal with Detroit Tigers". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 24, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ^ "Transactions". MiLB.com. April 30, 2025. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
- ^ Camerato, Jessica (May 2, 2025). "Andrew Chafin signs one-year contract with Nationals". MLB.com. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ^ Bollinger, Rhett (July 31, 2025). "Andrew Chafin, Luis García traded to Angels". MLB.com. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ^ Leach, Matthew (February 14, 2026). "Twins pick up another lefty reliever in veteran Chafin". MLB.com. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
- ^ "Twins release pitchers Hendriks, Chafin, infielder Urshela". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 20, 2026. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
- ^ "Reds, Andrew Chafin Agree To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. March 27, 2026. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
- ^ "Andrew Chafin - Pitching Splits at FanGraphs.com". fangraphs.com. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
- ^ Stavenhagen, Cody (June 1, 2022). "Tigers pitcher Andrew Chafin is eccentric, authentic and very good at his job". The Athletic. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
External links
[edit]
- Career statistics from MLB · ESPN · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac
- Kent State Golden Flash bio