History can only matter so much, even with the Colorado Rockies.
Jhoulys Chacin had returned to the Rockies in 2021 after six years away, the one time starter now toiling as a middle reliever. He had fared well in that role last season leading to the hope that he could replicate that success in 2022 as well.
The end has come for Jhoulys Chacin and Colorado Rockies
That did not prove to be the case. Chacin had produced a 7.61 ERA and a 1.606 WHiP in his 47.1 innings, striking out 37 batters with 21 walks. Even with the Rockies, whose loyalty to players past and present is seemingly unmatched, that was not good enough as Chacin was released on Thursday.
This marks the end of one of the best pitchers in Rockies’ history. As noted by Nick Groke of The Athletic, Chacin ranks in the top ten in franchise history in bWAR (13.9), wins (45), and strikeouts (598). His 4.05 ERA is second all time, trailing only Ubaldo Jimenez amongst pitchers with at least 500 innings for the Rockies.
Chacin certainly had his moments in Colorado. He reached double digits in wins twice and had a four year stretch from 2010 through 2013 where he posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1.324 WHiP. Considering where he was pitching, those were impressive numbers.
It is possible that Chacin will get another look somewhere next season. He was an above average pitcher in 2021 and pitching in Colorado will skew the numbers. However, he also has a 6.16 ERA and a 1.526 WHiP in his 19 innings on the road. Nonetheless, it would not be a surprise to see a bullpen needy team take a chance on Chacin with a minor league deal.
Time has run out for one of the best pitchers in Colorado Rockies’ history. Jhoulys Chacin has been released after his struggles this season.