How a gaming teammate got Chavez a coaching role with Giants

March 7, 2026 - 17:09

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Jesse Chavez’s path to becoming the Giants’ new bullpen coach started with a Call of Duty session eight years ago.

In 2018, Chavez was gearing up to play the video game with his then-Rangers teammate Mike Minor. Minor asked Chavez if he could invite one of his friends from the Braves organization to join their online squad. That friend was Drew Smyly. What began as an alliance in a virtual battlefield forged a genuine and lasting friendship between Chavez and Smyly in real life.

Their bond strengthened over the years, with the veteran pitcher Chavez becoming a trusted sounding board. When Smyly signed with the Chicago Cubs last offseason, he proactively recommended Chavez to the front office as a potential coach, praising his baseball intellect and leadership. The Cubs brought Chavez on as a minor league instructor, marking his official transition into coaching following a long and respected 17-year playing career.

That pivotal endorsement set the stage for the next step. When the Giants' bullpen coach position opened this winter, new manager Bob Melvin, seeking a fresh voice, took notice. Chavez's reputation for connecting with players and his deep well of practical experience made him a compelling candidate, ultimately leading to his hiring for the major league staff. It’s a role born from skill, longevity, and a friendship leveled up from online gaming to the highest level of professional baseball.