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]
Chafin delivers a pitch for the Diamondbacks in 2018
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]
Chafin warming up in the bullpen in 2019
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
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, $2.25million 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
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.[25]
Detroit Tigers
On March 17, 2022, Chafin signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.[26][27] On April 6 (retroactive to April 4), the Tigers placed Chafin on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain.[28] 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.[29]
Arizona Diamondbacks (second stint)
On February 15, 2023, Chafin signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[30][31] Chafin appeared in 43 games for the Diamondbacks, recording a 4.19 earned run average and 49 strikeouts in 34+1⁄3 innings pitched.[32]
Milwaukee Brewers
On August 1, 2023, Chafin was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for pitcher Peter Strzelecki.[33] 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.[34]
Detroit Tigers (second stint)
On December 12, 2023, Chafin signed with the Tigers on a one-year, $4.25 million contract that included a club option for 2025.[35] In 41 appearances for the Tigers in 2024, Chafin recorded a 3.16 ERA with 50 strikeouts across 37 innings pitched.[36]
Texas Rangers
On July 30, 2024, Chafin was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Chase Lee and Joseph Montalvo.[37] 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.[38]
Detroit Tigers (third stint)
On February 24, 2025, Chafin signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.[39] 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.[40]
Washington Nationals
On May 1, 2025, Chafin signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Washington Nationals.[41] Chafin appearead in 26 games for the Nationals, recording a 2.70 earned run average and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.[42]
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.[44]
Personal life
Chafin and his wife, Shelbi, have two daughters and a son. They live on a farm near Massillon, Ohio.[45]
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