Andrew Chafin Bio
Andrew Gregory Chafin, nicknamed “Big Country” and “the Sheriff”, is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Born on June 17, 1990, in Wakeman, Ohio, Chafin has built a resilient career spanning over a decade in Major League Baseball. Known primarily as a left-handed reliever, he has played for ten different MLB franchises, demonstrating versatility and adaptability throughout his professional journey. His career highlights include a combined no-hitter pitched on June 24, 2021, while with the Chicago Cubs against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chafin currently resides on a farm near Massillon, Ohio, with his wife Shelbi and their three children.
Early Life and Background
Chafin grew up in Wakeman, Ohio, and attended Western Reserve High School in Collins, Ohio. During his high school career, he showcased his pitching talent by throwing a no-hitter in his final game for the school baseball team. This impressive performance laid the foundation for his collegiate career at Kent State University.
At Kent State, Chafin played for the Golden Flashes baseball team. As a freshman in 2009, he made an immediate impact by earning Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year honors. He posted remarkable numbers with a 1.26 earned run average, eight saves, and 55 strikeouts over 35 and two-thirds innings pitched. However, his sophomore season was cut short when he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010, forcing him to miss the entire campaign.
Chafin returned strong from injury in 2011, transitioning to a starting role and delivering an outstanding season. He compiled a 2.02 earned run average with 105 strikeouts across 89 innings pitched. Following his collegiate season, he gained additional experience by playing for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League during the summer of 2011.
Path to Major League Baseball
Chafin’s impressive college performance caught the attention of professional scouts, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to select him in the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft with the 43rd overall selection. He signed with the organization shortly after being drafted and began his professional career in the rookie-level Arizona League.
He made his professional debut with the Arizona League Diamondbacks, appearing in one game where he recorded two strikeouts over one inning pitched. The following season, Chafin advanced to the Visalia Rawhide, where he recorded a 4.93 earned run average with 150 strikeouts over 122 and one-third innings. His consistent performance earned him a promotion to the Double-A Mobile BayBears during the 2013 season, where he combined to post a 3.20 earned run average with 119 strikeouts across 157 and one-third innings between both teams.
Andrew Chafin Career
MLB Debut and Early Career (2014-2015)
Chafin earned his call-up to the majors and made his MLB debut on August 13, 2014, against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. In that game, he pitched five innings, allowing three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts while receiving a no-decision. His second major league appearance proved memorable, as he recorded his first career hit, a run batted in single, on September 17, 2014.
For the 2015 season, the Diamondbacks converted Chafin from a starting pitcher to a relief role. This move proved successful as he posted a 5-1 record with a 2.76 earned run average in 66 games, establishing himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen.
Arizona Diamondbacks Established Role (2016-2020)
Following his breakthrough 2015 season, Chafin became a fixture in the Diamondbacks bullpen. In 2016, he experienced struggles alongside much of the pitching staff, appearing in 32 games with a 6.75 earned run average. However, he bounced back strongly in 2017 when the team began using him as a situational left-handed reliever. That season, he appeared in 71 games and posted a 3.51 earned run average.
Chafin continued as the primary lefty specialist through 2018 and 2019. In 2018, he set a career high with 77 appearances while compiling a 1-6 record over 49 and one-third innings. The 2019 season saw him match his appearance total with 77 games, finishing with a 2-2 record across 52 and two-thirds innings. The 2020 season brought challenges with the new three-batter rule eliminating pure left-handed specialists. Chafin struggled in the first half, compiling a 1-1 record with a career-worst 8.10 earned run average in just 11 appearances before the trade deadline.
Chicago Cubs and Career Highlight (2020-2021)
The Diamondbacks traded Chafin to the Chicago Cubs on August 31, 2020, acquiring minor league Ronny Simon in return. He made four appearances with the Cubs to finish the shortened season, posting a 3.00 earned run average. Following the season, he re-signed with the Cubs on February 2, 2021, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million with a mutual option for 2022.
The 2021 campaign became the defining moment of Chafin’s career. On June 24, 2021, he pitched a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, and Craig Kimbrel. This historic accomplishment occurred at Dodger Stadium and marked one of the most memorable performances of the season. Chafin appeared in 43 games for the Cubs, recording a 2.06 earned run average with 37 strikeouts across 39 and one-third innings.
Oakland Athletics (2021)
On July 27, 2021, the Cubs dealt Chafin to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for outfield prospect Greg Deichmann and pitcher Daniel Palencia. Between the two teams that season, he appeared in 71 games combined, compiling an impressive 1.83 earned run average with 64 strikeouts over 68 and two-thirds innings pitched.
Detroit Tigers (2022-2024)
Chafin signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on March 17, 2022. His debut season was interrupted when the Tigers placed him on the injured list with a left groin strain on April 6. Despite the setback, he recovered to make 64 appearances, recording 3 saves and a 2.83 earned run average with 67 strikeouts across 57 and one-third innings.
He opted out of the second year of his Tigers contract on November 6, 2022, becoming a free agent. Chafin returned to Arizona on February 15, 2023, signing a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks. He appeared in 43 games before the trade deadline, posting a 4.19 earned run average with 49 strikeouts in 34 and one-third innings.
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Chafin from the Diamondbacks on August 1, 2023, in exchange for pitcher Peter Strzelecki. He made 20 appearances for the Brewers, recording a 5.82 earned run average with 14 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. Following the season, he rejoined the Tigers on December 12, 2023, signing a one-year, $4.25 million contract with a club option for 2025. In 41 appearances during 2024, Chafin recorded a 3.16 earned run average with 50 strikeouts across 37 innings.
Texas Rangers (2024)
The Texas Rangers acquired Chafin from the Tigers on July 30, 2024, in exchange for prospects Chase Lee and Joseph Montalvo. He appeared in 21 games for the Rangers, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.19 earned run average and 20 strikeouts over 19 and one-third innings. On November 4, the Rangers declined his option for the 2025 season, making him a free agent.
Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels (2025)
Chafin signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Washington Nationals on May 1, 2025. He appeared in 26 games for the Nationals, recording a 2.70 earned run average with 18 strikeouts across 20 innings. The Los Angeles Angels acquired him from the Nationals on July 30, 2025, along with Luis Garcia, in exchange for Jake Eder and Sam Brown. Chafin made 16 appearances for the Angels, posting a 1.98 earned run average with 18 strikeouts over 13 and two-thirds innings pitched.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Chafin operates primarily as a left-handed relief specialist, known for his ability to retire both left-handed and right-handed batters. His fastball repertoire includes a four-seam fastball and a two-seam sinking fastball, both averaging between 92 and 94 miles per hour with a peak velocity of 97 miles per hour. His primary secondary offering is an mid-80s slider that complements his fastball-heavy approach. Teams have utilized him in various roles including as a setup man, specialist against key left-handed hitters, and occasionally as a closer.
Notable Events and Milestones
The pinnacle of Chafin’s career occurred on June 24, 2021, when he contributed to a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. This accomplishment placed him among the pitchers in one of baseball’s most prestigious achievements. Throughout his career, he has appeared in over 400 major league games, demonstrating durability and consistency as a bullpen arm across multiple organizations.
Andrew Chafin Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2014 through 2025, Chafin has established himself as a reliable bullpen arm accumulating a win-loss record of 22-28 with a 3.35 earned run average and 591 strikeouts across more than 400 professional appearances. His career has been characterized by adaptability, moving between teams while maintaining effectiveness in various relief roles.
Major League Highlights
Chafin’s most successful stretch came during the 2021 season when he posted a combined 1.83 earned run average between the Cubs and Athletics across 71 appearances. His 2015 season yielded his best winning percentage with a 5-1 record and 2.76 earned run average in 66 games. The 2022 season with Detroit saw him collect 3 saves while maintaining a 2.83 earned run average over 64 appearances.
Other Notable Performances
Chafin has demonstrated the ability to perform in high-leverage situations throughout his career. His 2017 and 2018 seasons each featured over 70 appearances, showcasing his reliability as a workhorse out of the bullpen. His most recent seasons have continued to demonstrate effectiveness, with his 2025 combined appearances between Washington and Los Angeles resulting in a 2.41 earned run average across 42 games.
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record | 22-28 |
| Earned Run Average | 3.35 |
| Strikeouts | 591 |
Andrew Chafin Family
Family Background
Chafin grew up in Wakeman, Ohio, as the son of supportive parents who encouraged his athletic pursuits. His journey through youth baseball, high school, and college was supported by his family environment that valued hard work and dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
Chafin is married to Shelbi, and together they have raised three children, two daughters and a son. The family resides on a farm near Massillon, Ohio, where they enjoy a private life away from the baseball diamond. Chafin’s rural Ohio roots and family-centered lifestyle have remained important constants throughout his professional career spent traveling between multiple major league organizations.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked another year of transcontinental movement for Chafin as he navigated the latter portion of his career. Beginning the year with the Washington Nationals in May, he quickly demonstrated his value as a reliable bullpen option, posting a 2.70 earned run average across 26 appearances before the midseason trade to Los Angeles.
His tenure with the Angels proved even more successful, as he recorded a 1.98 earned run average in 16 appearances while striking out 18 batters across 13 and two-thirds innings. This strong performance in a challenging Angels bullpen demonstrated his continued effectiveness as he approached his mid-30s.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Chafin appeared in 42 combined games between both organizations, compiling a 2.41 earned run average with 36 strikeouts. His ability to transition seamlessly between franchises and maintain consistent results continued to showcase his professionalism and adaptability. As he enters the 2026 season, Chafin remains a viable left-handed relief option for teams seeking experienced bullpen depth.