It’s an exciting time for the Detroit Tigers ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. The Tigers don’t have to worry about selling off parts as a team that has a great chance of playing in the postseason. Entering Wednesday with a nine-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians, Detroit will likely add players in an attempt to make a deep push into October.
But for veterans who are on the fringe, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. One former Tigers reliever has been a frequent participant at the trade deadline and was moved for the fifth time as a swap was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Former Tigers Hurler Andrew Chafin Traded to Angels
Andrew Chafin has been the definition of a journeyman, but that claim is bolstered by the amount of times he’s been traded in the middle of the season. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Chafin is on the move again as he was traded along with reliever Luis Garcia in a deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
As part of this deal, left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin is also going to the Angels. Left-hander Jake Eder is one player heading back to the Nationals in the deal, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/bl4ny681ty
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2025
The Angels entered Wednesday four games back of the Seattle Mariners for the final wild card spot in the American League, and the addition of both relievers should help a bullpen that ranks 27th in ERA (4.99) and WHIP (1.45) this season. But while the Angels are celebrating their new additions, Chafin may be somberly marching to the post office.
Wednesday’s trade marks the fifth time in the past six seasons that Chafin has been traded ahead of the deadline. He was traded by the Tigers to the Texas Rangers at last year’s deadline and was also moved at the deadline by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Chicago Cubs in 2020, from the Cubs to the Athletics in 2021, and from the Diamondbacks to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023.
Aside from having an impressive trade tree, Chafin also can bring some left-handed experience to the Angels bullpen. Chafin began his season with the Tigers but was released at the end of April. The southpaw went 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 26 appearances for the Nationals, although he’s struggled with his control with a 13.6% walk rate.
Regardless, it’s another midsummer change of address for Chafin, who has become every team’s favorite mercenary for bullpen help at the deadline.