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. The following season, just like the majority of the pitching staff, Chafin struggled throughout the season, appearing in 32 games with a 6.75 ERA. He 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. 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. In 2019, Chafin appeared in 77 games for the second consecutive season, finishing with a record of 2–2 in 52+2⁄3 innings. The following season 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. He was 1–1 with a career worst 8.10 ERA in 6+2⁄3 innings.
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.[13] Chafin pitched to a 3.00 ERA in 4 games with the Cubs to finish the year. On February 2, 2021, Chafin re-signed with the Cubs on a one-year, $2.25 million contract that included a mutual option for 2022.[14] On June 24, 2021, Chafin pitched a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, and Craig Kimbrel.[15] In 43 appearances for the Cubs in 2021, Chafin recorded a 2.06 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 39+1⁄3 innings of work.[16]
Oakland Athletics
On July 27, 2021, the Cubs traded Chafin to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Greg Deichmann and Daniel Palencia.[17] Between the two teams in 2021, Chafin pitched in 71 games, boasting a 1.83 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 68+2⁄3 innings.
Detroit Tigers
On March 17, 2022, Chafin signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.[18][19] On April 6 (retroactive to April 4), the Tigers placed Chafin on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain.[20] 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.[21]
On August 1, 2023, Chafin was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for pitcher Peter Strzelecki.[24] He became a free agent following the season.
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.[25] In 41 appearances for the Tigers in 2024, Chafin recorded a 3.16 ERA with 50 strikeouts across 37 innings pitched.
Texas Rangers
On July 30, 2024, Chafin was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor-leaguers Chase Lee and Joseph Montalvo.[26] In 21 appearances with the Rangers, he posted a 1-1 record, a 4.19 ERA, and struck out 20 batters in 19.1 innings pitched. On November 4, the Rangers declined his option for the 2025 season making him a free agent.[27]
Pitch selection
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.[28]
Personal life
Chafin and his wife, Shelbi, have two daughters and a son. They live on a farm near Massillon, Ohio.[29]