Jeremy Affeldt

Affeldt was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to David and Charlotte Affeldt. His father was a member of the United States Air Force, and Affeldt lived in Guam, Merced, California, and Spokane, Washington, growing up.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Daniel |date=2022-03-26 |title=Ex-Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt on his new brewery and the ‘buffalo mentality’ that got him through a personal storm |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3206165/2022/03/24/ex-giants-reliever-jeremy-affeldt-on-his-new-brewery-and-the-buffalo-mentality-that-got-him-through-a-personal-storm/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Bandujo |first=Kyle |date=2024-01-23 |title=Jeremy Affeldt Joins ‘From Phenom To The Farm’: Episode 96 |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/jeremy-affeldt-joins-from-phenom-to-the-farm-episode-96/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America |language=en-US}} While in Merced, Affeldt and his father would frequently attend Oakland Athletics games, and Affeldt enjoyed watching Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, and Dave Stewart.{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120613&content_id=33230756&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617045826/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120613&content_id=33230756&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 17, 2012 |title=Affeldt's father taught him about life, baseball |work=MLB.com |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=June 28, 2013}} Affeldt attended Northwest Christian High School, a Division 2-B school in Colbert, Washington. He participated in three sports while there, but it was baseball that drove several major league scouts to the school to see him pitch. He graduated in 1997.{{cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Colleen |url=http://www.kxly.com/news/25792574/detail.html |title=Giants Pitcher Jeremy Affeldt Gets Hero's Welcome |publisher=KXLY 4 |date=November 14, 2010 |access-date=December 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081801/http://www.kxly.com/news/25792574/detail.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}

Affeldt was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the third round of the 1997 MLB draft.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1997&draft_round=3&draft_type=junreg |title=3rd Round of the 1997 MLB June Amateur Draft |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=December 14, 2010}} Affeldt ultimately decided not to accept a scholarship offer to play college baseball for his hometown Gonzaga University.{{cite news|last1=Affeldt|first1=Jeremy|title=The Moment I Learned How to Fail|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeremy-affeldt/the-moment-i-learned-how-to-fail_b_7673110.html|access-date=31 December 2017|work=Huffington Post|date=26 June 2015}} He spent 1997 pitching for the rookie–league Gulf Coast League Royals. While with them, he went 2–0 with a 4.50 ERA in ten games (nine starts).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=affeld001jer |title=Jeremy Affeldt |publisher=Baseball-Reference (Minors) |access-date=March 3, 2011}}

Affeldt improved with the GCL Royals the next year, going 4–3 with a 2.89 ERA in twelve games (nine starts). His performance even earned him a promotion to the single-A Lansing Lugnuts. Affeldt did not do well in his time with them, though, as he went 0–3 with a 9.53 ERA in six games (three starts).

In 1999, Affeldt spent the entire season with the Royals' single-A affiliate, which had changed to the Charleston Alley Cats during the offseason. Although he only went 7–7, he had a 3.83 ERA in twenty–seven games (twenty–four starts).

Affeldt pitched with the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the single-A advanced Carolina League in 2000. While with Wilmington, he led the entire Kansas City Royals' organization (and the Carolina League) with fifteen losses (to go with only five wins). He also threw seventeen wild pitches.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346793 |title=Jeremy Affeldt |publisher=MLB |access-date=December 14, 2010}} However, his ERA was 4.09, and the Blue Rocks were only a half–game ahead of the worst team in the league (the Potomac Cannons).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/league.cgi?id=10769 |title=2000 Carolina League |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=December 14, 2010}}

2001 was a better season for Affeldt, as he went 10–6 with a 3.90 ERA in twenty–five starts for the double-A Wichita Wranglers. He was selected to pitch in the Texas League All-Star Game, and he was named to the postseason All–Star team.

Affeldt was not expected to make the Kansas City Royals' roster in 2002, but he was added to the bullpen after he had an 0.64 ERA and fourteen strikeouts (to go with just two walks) in fourteen innings in Spring training.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020425&content_id=14117&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affeldt's star on the rise |work=MLB.com |date=April 25, 2002 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005175744/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020425&content_id=14117&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }} His major league debut came on April 6 against the Chicago White Sox. He pitched two innings, giving up three hits and a run in a 14–0 loss.{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2002/B04060KCA2002.htm |title=Chicago White Sox 14, Kansas City Royals 0 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 15, 2010}} On April 24, Affeldt picked up his first major league win by pitching 3.2 innings of relief in an 8–2 win over the Detroit Tigers.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020424&content_id=13733&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=KC's young guns come through |work=MLB.com |date=April 24, 2002 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005175801/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020424&content_id=13733&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}

Affeldt's time in the bullpen did not last long. On May 3, he replaced Bryan Rekar in the Royals' starting rotation.{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2002/Krekab0010082002.htm |title=The 2002 KC A Regular Season Pitching Log for Bryan Rekar |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 15, 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2002/VKCA02002.htm |title=The 2002 Kansas City Royals Regular Season Game Log |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 15, 2010}} In his first start, he pitched four innings, gave up one run, and earned a no–decision in a 4–3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite web|last=Jenkins |first=Becky Dubin |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020504&content_id=18137&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affledt, Brito involved in big plays |work=MLB.com |date=May 4, 2002 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025218/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020504&content_id=18137&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} Affeldt's time as a starter garnered so-so results, as he was 0–4 with a 5.45 ERA in seven starts. In his last start, on June 8, Affeldt picked up the loss as the Royals fell 11–3 to the St. Louis Cardinals. After getting pulled in the fourth inning due to an injury,{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020609&content_id=47985&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Quinn is out, McDonald is up |work=MLB.com |date=June 9, 2002 |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025509/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020609&content_id=47985&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} Affeldt was placed on the disabled list with fingernail and blister problems.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert and Todd Lorenz |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020804&content_id=96255&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=MLBeat: Knoblauch doesn't start |work=MLB.com |date=August 4, 2002 |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025529/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020804&content_id=96255&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}

After making three rehab starts in Wichita, Affeldt returned to the Royals on August 2 and threw a perfect inning against the Minnesota Twins. He remained in the bullpen for the remainder of the 2002 season. After the season, he pitched in a winter league in the Dominican Republic.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |title=Affeldt looks strong in winter ball |work=MLB.com |date=November 19, 2002 |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20021119&content_id=178813&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025609/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20021119&content_id=178813&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}

In 2003, Affeldt found himself competing with Runelvys Hernández for the first spot in the Royals' starting rotation during Spring training. Because Tony Peña, the Royals' manager, was unable to decide which one would be the ace, he flipped a coin to determine who would be number one. Hernández won the toss.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |title=Royals notes: Flip a coin |work=MLB.com |date=March 15, 2003 |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030315&content_id=221301&vkey=spt2003news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025629/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030315&content_id=221301&vkey=spt2003news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}

Affeldt was placed on the disabled list after only four games with blister problems again.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030420&content_id=282706&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals notes: Affeldt to the DL |work=MLB.com |date=April 20, 2003 |access-date=December 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025708/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030420&content_id=282706&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} His time on the DL was brief and he returned to the Royals on May 6.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030506&content_id=306858&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=KC Notes: Affeldt returns from DL |work=MLB.com |date=May 6, 2003 |access-date=December 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025735/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030506&content_id=306858&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} On May 28, he struck out a career high eight batters in a win against the Minnesota Twins.{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2003/B05120MIN2003.htm |title=Kansas City Royals 3, Minnesota Twins 2 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 18, 2010}} Later, on June 6, he notched his first hit.{{cite web |url=http://baseball-reference.com/players/a/affelje01.shtml |title=Jeremy Affeldt |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=December 18, 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2003/B06080COL2003.htm |title=Colorado Rockies 8, Kansas City Royals 7 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 18, 2010}}

Affeldt's final start of the year came on July 23, in a game he won against Minnesota.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030723&content_id=441310&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals light up Twins |work=MLB.com |date=July 23, 2003 |access-date=December 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025816/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030723&content_id=441310&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} After the start, the Royals moved him to the bullpen to try to fix his blister problems. The move was originally thought to be temporary.{{cite web|last=Lockhart |first=Matt |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030726&content_id=446177&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Time for a change |work=MLB.com |date=July 26, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025833/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030726&content_id=446177&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} While in the bullpen, on August 3, he got his career first save in a 2–0 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030803&content_id=458871&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Gobble, in debut, shuts down Rays |work=MLB.com |date=August 3, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025847/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030803&content_id=458871&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} On August 21, the Royals announced that Affeldt would spend the rest of the year in the bullpen.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030821&content_id=491962&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals notes: Affeldt won't start |work=MLB.com |date=August 21, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030142/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030821&content_id=491962&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} Two days later, he got another save against Minnesota.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030823&content_id=493623&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=What a relief! Royals edge Twins |work=MLB.com |date=August 23, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030322/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030823&content_id=493623&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} He picked up two more saves before the end of the year and finished with a 7–6 record and a 3.93 ERA. After the season, to try to help with his blister problems, he had part of a fingernail on the middle finger of his left hand removed. Also, the Royals announced that if he developed blister problems again, he would be sent to the bullpen for good.{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040226&content_id=641735&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Fingering it out: Affeldt ready |work=MLB.com |date=February 26, 2004 |access-date=December 19, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In 2004, Affeldt was named the Royals' third starter out of Spring training.{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040330&content_id=674110&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt ready to go |work=MLB.com |date=March 30, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He went 0–3 with a 5.24 ERA in eight starts. His final start of {{baseball year|2004}} came on May 18 against the Texas Rangers. Affeldt gave up five runs in four innings and received a no–decision in a 7–6 victory by the Royals.{{cite web|last=Eskew |first=Alan |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040518&content_id=746652&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals road rally rocks Rangers |work=MLB.com |date=May 18, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030531/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040518&content_id=746652&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} Afterwards, although his blister problems had not resurfaced, manager Tony Peña named him the Royals closer on May 21 due to poor pitching and injury problems with the other Royals closers.{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040521&content_id=749610&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt new Royals closer |work=MLB.com |date=May 21, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030544/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040521&content_id=749610&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}

Affeldt blew his first save opportunity of 2004 against the Oakland Athletics on May 22,{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040523&content_id=750493&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affeldt gets rude welcome |work=MLB.com |date=May 23, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030609/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040523&content_id=750493&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} but he converted in his next outing on May 25 against the Detroit Tigers.{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040525&content_id=752415&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Kansas City gets Royal treatment |work=MLB.com |date=May 25, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006105951/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040525&content_id=752415&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} He converted eight of ten save opportunities before he was placed on the disabled list on June 27 with a partially torn rib–cage muscle.{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040627&content_id=781653&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt out several weeks |work=MLB.com |date=June 27, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110023/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040627&content_id=781653&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} He was out for almost eight weeks.

After making four rehab appearances for AAA Omaha, Affeldt returned to the Royals on August 21.{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040821&content_id=834190&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt activated from DL |work=MLB.com |date=August 21, 2004 |access-date=December 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110136/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040821&content_id=834190&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} He made his first appearance since returning from the DL on August 22,{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2004/B08220KCA2004.htm |title=Kansas City Royals 10, Texas Rangers 2 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 22, 2010}} but he did not get another save until September 1 in a 1–0 victory over the Tigers.{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040901&content_id=844600&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Greinke locks down Tigers |work=MLB.com |date=September 1, 2004 |access-date=December 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110358/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040901&content_id=844600&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} He picked up four more saves to finish the year with a career–high 13 saves and a 4.95 ERA.

In 2005, Affeldt was again expected to be the Royals' closer. However, he did not get a save opportunity until April 16 against Detroit, and he was unable to finish that game because of a groin injury that landed him on the disabled list again.{{cite web |last=LaWell |first=Matt |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050416&content_id=1017727&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt placed on disabled list |work=MLB.com |date=April 16, 2005 |access-date=December 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110453/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050416&content_id=1017727&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} After rehabbing in Omaha, Affeldt returned to the Royals on June 4. He was no longer the closer, however, because Mike MacDougal had been closing well in his absence.{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050604&content_id=1075108&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes:Affeldt returns from disabled list |work=MLB.com |date=June 4, 2005 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110507/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050604&content_id=1075108&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Affeldt was not healthy for long, as he returned to the disabled list on June 20 after reaggravating the groin injury.{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050620&content_id=1097273&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Three Royals placed on DL |work=MLB.com |date=June 20, 2005 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110527/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050620&content_id=1097273&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

Affeldt returned to the Royals on July 7.{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050707&content_id=1119411&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Sweeney sits with bruise |work=MLB.com |date=July 8, 2005 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110601/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050707&content_id=1119411&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Through July 27, he had a 2.18 ERA. He did not give up more than one earned run until August 5, when he got his first loss of the year against the Oakland Athletics.{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050806&content_id=1159887&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affeldt takes blame for Friday's loss |work=MLB.com |date=August 6, 2005 |access-date=December 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110608/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050806&content_id=1159887&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} However, Affeldt had a 12.71 ERA in his next eighteen appearances, which raised his ERA to 6.93. He held opposing batters scoreless for the final nine games of the season to bring it down to a season–ending 5.26.

Affeldt returned to Kansas City's starting rotation in 2006 when he was named the fourth starter during Spring training.{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060326&content_id=1363058&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes:Bell provides rotation drama |work=MLB.com |date=March 26, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110619/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060326&content_id=1363058&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} However, he was moved up to the third spot before the season began when Runelvys Hernández was demoted to the fifth spot.{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060327&content_id=1364477&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Rotation readjustment |work=MLB.com |date=March 27, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110638/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060327&content_id=1364477&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Affeldt struggled as a starter, going 2–5 with a 7.80 ERA in nine starts. His final major league start came on May 27 against the New York Yankees. He gave up ten runs on eleven hits in a 15–4 loss.{{cite web |last=Girandola |first=Chris |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060527&content_id=1474378&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals' bats can't keep pace in loss |work=MLB.com |date=May 27, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110825/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060527&content_id=1474378&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} After the start, he was sent to the bullpen, and Bobby Keppel filled his place in the starting rotation.{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060530&content_id=1479788&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Bell revamps rotation |work=MLB.com |date=May 30, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110811/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060530&content_id=1479788&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Affeldt improved in the bullpen, posting a 2.91 ERA there through July 31.

Years later, reflecting on his tenure with the Royals, Affeldt said, "I was pretty frustrated. I wanted to quit. I didn't want to go to the ballpark. I was just failing a lot. I was getting hurt. I didn't understand my role. I bounced around and I just didn't enjoy the game."{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_26758925/world-series-jeremy-affeldt-goes-home |title=World Series: Jeremy Affeldt goes home |first=John |last=Hickey |date=October 19, 2014 |work=San Jose Mercury News}} At the trade deadline on July 31, Affeldt was traded along with Denny Bautista to the Colorado Rockies for Ryan Shealy and Scott Dohmann.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060731&content_id=1585965&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Rox add lefty Affeldt, righty Bautista |work=MLB.com |date=August 1, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325043604/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060731&content_id=1585965&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Affeldt recalled, "When [Royals General Manager Dayton Moore] traded me, he said, 'I feel like I need to give you a fresh start. You can learn to enjoy the game again.' I have a lot of respect for him now because he saw that. It was a move that had to be made for me to be able to continue playing baseball. I'm very thankful for it."

File:Jeremy Affeldt 2007.jpg while with the Rockies in {{Mlby|2007}}.]]

With the Rockies, Affeldt was used exclusively out of the bullpen. He got his only save of the season on September 19 in a 12–4 win over the San Francisco Giants.{{cite web |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2006_09_19_sfnmlb_colmlb_1 |title=Colorado 12, San Francisco 4 |work=MLB.com |date=September 19, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325043655/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2006_09_19_sfnmlb_colmlb_1 |url-status=dead }} Affeldt finished the 2006 season with a 6.20 ERA in fifty–nine games.

Affeldt spent the entire 2007 season in the bullpen, where he was used as a lefty specialist. Affeldt had a 2.51 ERA through his first fifty–six games of the year. He did not give up a home run until Pete Laforest hit one off of him in an 11–9 loss to the San Diego Padres on August 16.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070816&content_id=2152819&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Tough inning trips up Rockies |work=MLB.com |date=August 17, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325043826/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070816&content_id=2152819&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} He struggled at the end of the year, with a 7.30 ERA in his final nineteen games. He still finished the year 4–3, with a 3.51 ERA in seventy-five games, and the Rockies made the playoffs as the NL Wild Card. He made his postseason debut on October 4 in the Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies and gave up one run (on a home run by Ryan Howard) in one inning in a 10–5 win by Colorado.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071004&content_id=2249802&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Rockies pound Phils to take control |work=MLB.com |date=October 4, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310193830/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071004&content_id=2249802&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-date=March 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} The Rockies swept the series to advance to the Championship Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the first game, Affeldt entered with two outs and the bases loaded with the Rockies leading 5–1. He retired Stephen Drew to help the Rockies win 5–1.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071011&content_id=2261445&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Hawpe gets to Webb as Rockies cruise |work=MLB.com |date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325043856/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071011&content_id=2261445&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} The Rockies swept the Diamondbacks to meet the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. Affeldt pitched in all four games of the World Series without giving up a run, but the Rockies were swept by the Red Sox. Affeldt became a free agent after the season.

File:Jeremy Affeldt followthrough 2.jpg in {{Mlby|2008}}.]]

Affeldt was signed to a one–year deal by the Cincinnati Reds on January 23, 2008, to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. He said of signing and competing to start, "My heart skipped a beat when they offered that deal. I went with my heart there."{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |url=http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080123&content_id=2353718&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127101638/http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080123&content_id=2353718&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 27, 2008 |title=Reds make Affeldt signing official |work=MLB.com |date=January 23, 2008 |access-date=December 31, 2010}} However, he was placed in the bullpen, where he stayed for the entire year.{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |url=http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2455948&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401164521/http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2455948&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 1, 2008 |title=Reds Opening Day outlook |work=MLB.com |date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=December 31, 2010}} He won his first game as a Red when the Reds beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6–5 on April 2.{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |url=http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080402&content_id=2484618&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324193855/http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080402&content_id=2484618&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |title=Sweet redemption for Encarnacion |work=MLB.com |date=April 2, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} He made the three hundredth appearance of his career on May 2 in a 2–0 loss to the Atlanta Braves.{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |url=http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080502&content_id=2628520&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324193901/http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080502&content_id=2628520&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |title=Volquez on losing end of pitchers' duel |work=MLB.com |date=May 2, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} His only other decision of the year came on September 3 when he was the losing pitcher in a 6–5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |url=http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3416007&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324193925/http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3416007&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |title=Volquez strikes out 13, but Reds fall |work=MLB.com |date=September 4, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2011}}

Affeldt finished the 2008 season with a 3.33 ERA in seventy–four games. He was also one of only five NL relievers to pitch seventy-five innings and average one strikeout per inning, along with Joel Hanrahan, Aaron Heilman, Hong-Chih Kuo, and Carlos Mármol. Following the season, Affeldt again became a free agent.

On November 17, 2008, Affeldt signed a two–year deal with the San Francisco Giants. He said of signing with them, "With that starting rotation, the bullpen won't get burned out."{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3682123&vkey=pr_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527021442/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3682123&vkey=pr_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |title=Giants sign free agent pitcher Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year deal |work=MLB.com |date=November 17, 2008 |access-date=December 18, 2010}} Affeldt immediately began having a career year with the Giants. He was used on Opening Day against the Milwaukee Brewers, and he pitched a scoreless inning in the Giants' 10–6 win.{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2009_04_07_milmlb_sfnmlb_1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714104517/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2009_04_07_milmlb_sfnmlb_1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |title=Giants 10, Brewers 6 |work=MLB.com |access-date=March 3, 2011}} On April 12, he entered a game against the Padres with one out and the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Affeldt got Brian Giles to ground into a double play to end the inning, but he gave up two runs (one earned) in the seventh as the Padres won 6–1.{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2009/B04120SDN2009.htm |title=San Diego Padres 6, San Francisco Giants 1 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=March 3, 2011}}

From May 8 through July 24, Affeldt had a twenty–eight inning scoreless streak. During the streak, on May 15, he struck out a season–high four batters in an 8–6 loss to the Mets.{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2009/B05150SFN2009.htm |title=New York Mets 8, San Francisco Giants 6 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=March 3, 2011}} On May 31, he entered a game against St. Louis with runners on first and third and Albert Pujols on deck in the eighth, and he struck out Joe Thurston to end the inning and help the Giants win 5–3.{{cite web |last=Pentis |first=Andrew |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090531&content_id=5069292&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602224002/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090531&content_id=5069292&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |title=Aurilia's homer seals Giants' victory |work=MLB.com |date=May 31, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2011}} The streak did not end until July 28, when Brandon Medders allowed one of Affeldt's runners to score in a game against Pittsburgh.{{cite web |last=Pentis |first=Andrew |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090729&content_id=6131104&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802095005/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090729&content_id=6131104&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 2, 2009 |title=Affeldt having solid season for Giants |work=MLB.com |date=July 30, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} On August 2, with runners on first and second with one out in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies, he retired Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to help the Giants win 7–3.{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2009/B08020SFN2009.htm |title=San Francisco Giants 7, Philadelphia Phillies 3 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=March 3, 2011}} He won the final game of the season against San Diego by pitching two scoreless innings as the Giants won 4–3 in ten innings.{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091004&content_id=7325628&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006044229/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091004&content_id=7325628&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 6, 2009 |title=Sandoval seals season-ending win |work=MLB.com |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2011}} Affeldt finished the season with a career best 1.73 ERA in seventy–four games. He was named tenth on one writer's ballot for MVP voting, placing him in a tie for twenty–eighth on the list.{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2009.shtml#NLmvp | title=2009 Awards Voting | publisher=Baseball-Reference | access-date=November 28, 2009}} On December 17, he won the This Year in Baseball Setup Man of the Year Award.{{cite web |last=Ott |first=Tim |title=Season's best claim TYIB Awards |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091216&content_id=7817448&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |work=MLB.com |date=December 17, 2009 |access-date=December 17, 2009}}

In 2010, Affeldt again spent the entire season in the bullpen for the Giants. On March 28, the Giants extended his contract through the 2011 season with an option for 2012.{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100328&content_id=8976392&vkey=pr_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406113832/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100328&content_id=8976392&vkey=pr_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 6, 2012 |title=Giants sign Affeldt, Cain, and Wilson to contract extensions |work=MLB.com |date=March 28, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} Affeldt picked up his first save with the Giants in a 6–3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on April 11.{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100411&content_id=9239948&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415185717/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100411&content_id=9239948&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 15, 2010 |title=Lincecum fans 10 in domination of Braves |work=MLB.com |date=April 12, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} He struggled for most of the season and was placed on the disabled list on July 24 with an oblique strain.{{cite web|url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/07/24/10/Jeremy-Affeldt-to-DL-with-Oblique-Strain/landing.html?blockID=276846&feedID=2796 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729145112/http://www.csnbayarea.com/07/24/10/Jeremy-Affeldt-to-DL-with-Oblique-Strain/landing.html?blockID=276846&feedID=2796 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |title=Jeremy Affeldt to DL with Oblique Strain |publisher=CSN |date=July 24, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011 }} After rehabbing in the minors, Affeldt returned to the Giants on August 18.{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100818&content_id=13615684¬ebook_id=13615686&vkey=notebook_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822025947/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100818&content_id=13615684¬ebook_id=13615686&vkey=notebook_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |title=Giants get setup man Affeldt back from DL |work=MLB.com |date=August 18, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} He finished the season with four saves and a 4.14 ERA in fifty–three games.

Despite his struggles, Affeldt was named to the Giants' playoff roster. Affeldt made his first playoff appearance for the Giants in Game 2 of the 2010 NLCS against Philadelphia. He struck out one batter and intentionally walked another one, but Santiago Casilla allowed him to score as the Giants lost 6–1.{{cite web |last=Haft |first=Chris |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101017&content_id=15679002&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021045552/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101017&content_id=15679002&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2010 |title=Giants sputter vs. Phils, fall into NLCS tie |work=MLB.com |date=October 18, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} Affeldt faced (and retired) one batter in Game 5, but the Phillies won that game 4–2.{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2010_10_21_phimlb_sfnmlb_1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119192245/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2010_10_21_phimlb_sfnmlb_1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |title=Phillies 4, Giants 2 |work=MLB.com |date=October 21, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} In Game 6, Affeldt entered the game in the third inning with runners on first and second and nobody out after starting pitcher Jonathan Sánchez was taken out early. He pitched two hitless, scoreless innings, and the Giants won the game 3–2 to advance to the World Series.{{cite magazine |last=Posnanski |first=Joe |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_posnanski/10/24/nlcs.game6/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024155932/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_posnanski/10/24/nlcs.game6/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 24, 2010 |title=Giants' biggest hero in Game 6 fits team's 'improbable' bill |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=October 24, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011}}{{cite web |last=Marks |first=Jon |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_16420134 |title=Little-used reliever Jeremy Affeldt delivers at crucial time for Giants |publisher=Mercury News.com |date=October 23, 2010 |access-date=January 1, 2011}} The Giants won very close games in 2010 which were described by many as torture, which became a theme for the 2010 Giants. "We're all the wildcats and misfits and people nobody wanted." Affeld said. "We're all unique individuals. We have some crazies in this clubhouse. But that is who we are. We compete because of it, and we win close games because of it."{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/news/story?id=5723298 | title=Drehs: San Francisco winning nail-biters | date=October 24, 2010 }} Affeldt pitched in two games in the World Series, which the Giants won in five games to give Affeldt his first World Series ring.

Affeldt returned to the Giants in 2011 and posted a solid season, going 3–2 with a 2.63 ERA in 67 appearances, including 3 saves. In addition, he posted a career best WHIP of 1.151. Left-handed batters hit only .144 off of Affeldt in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=affelje01&year=2011&t=p|title=Jeremy Affeldt 2011 Pitching Splits – Baseball-Reference.com|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 1, 2015}} On September 8, 2011, Affeldt suffered a season-ending injury as he gashed his non-throwing (right) hand trying to separate frozen hamburger patties and underwent surgery to address nerve damage.{{cite web |last=Baggarly |first=Andrew |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_18863269?source=rss |title=Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt slices hand with knife, out for season |work=Mercurynews.com |date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=September 9, 2011}} After the season, the Giants picked up Affeldt's $5 million contract option for the 2012 season.{{cite news |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/25847094/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002133434/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/25847094/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |title=Giants sign Lopez, pick up Affeldt's option |first=Chris |last=Haft |work=MLB.com}}

On May 1, 2012, Affeldt suffered another off-the-field injury, spraining the MCL in his right knee while picking up his four-year-old son.{{Cite news |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/giants/2012/05/01/jeremy-affeldt-on-dl-for-sf-giants-belt-in-the-lineup-its-a-fair-dinkum |title=Jeremy Affeldt hurt his knee lifting his son, plus Huff news |first=Henry |last=Schulman |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=May 1, 2012}} The injury was listed as number two on an ESPN list of strangest injuries, and was named Jayson Stark's "Strangest But Truest Injury of the Year".{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_21753341/san-francisco-giants-reliever-jeremy-affeldt-suffers-minor |title=San Francisco Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt suffers minor injury |first=Alex |last=Pavlovic |date=October 11, 2012 |work=San Jose Mercury News}}{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8772294/strange-true-feats-2012-mlb-season |title=Strange but true feats of the 2012 MLB season – ESPN |first=Jayson |last=Stark |date=December 26, 2012 |work=ESPN.com}} Affeldt finished the regular season 1–2 with a 2.70 ERA in 67 appearances in {{frac|63|1|3}} innings.

File:Jeremy Affeldt (8146872842).jpg

In the 2012 postseason, Affeldt appeared in 10 games, pitching {{frac|10|1|3}} innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 walks against 10 strikeouts and no runs. In Game 4 of the 2012 World Series, Affeldt provided key relief, striking out Detroit Tigers power hitters Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Delmon Young in the eighth inning to preserve a 3–3 tie. The Giants would go on to win the game in the tenth inning, completing a sweep of the Tigers, earning Affeldt his second World Series ring.{{cite web |last=Snyder|first=Matt|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/20730325/jeremy-affeldt-one-of-many-postseason-heroes-for-giants |title=Jeremy Affeldt one of many postseason heroes for Giants |work=CBS Sports |date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=October 31, 2012}} On November 13, 2012, Affeldt signed a three-year, $18 million contract to remain with the Giants through the 2015 season.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/20956505/lefty-star-affeldt-giants-appear-to-have-agreement-on-new-3-year-deal |title=Lefty star Affeldt, Giants appear to have agreement on new 3-year deal |first=Jon |last=Heyman |date=November 12, 2012 |publisher=CBSSports.com}}

Affeldt struggled with injury in 2013, recording a 3.74 ERA in {{frac|33|2|3}} innings pitched. He went on the 15-day disabled list after suffering a right oblique strain on April 14. Given Affeldt's history of unusual injuries, Giants broadcaster Jon Miller joked that Affeldt suffered the injury during a sneezing fit.{{cite news |url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/andrew-baggarly/andrew-baggarlys-giants-chat-transcript-41713 |title=Andrew Baggarly's Giants chat transcript (4.17.13) |publisher=CSNBayArea.com |date=April 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425152921/http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/andrew-baggarly/andrew-baggarlys-giants-chat-transcript-41713 |archive-date=April 25, 2015 |df=mdy-all }} Affeldt clarified that he suffered the injury while pitching the night before in Chicago.{{cite news |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/giants/2013/04/16/bochy-zito-both-seek-milestones-in-sf-giants-game-versus-brewers/ |title=UPDATE: SF Giants' Affeldt discusses injury, Belt his big night |date=April 16, 2013 |first=Henry |last=Schulman |work=San Francisco Chronicle}} He missed 50 games between July 21 and September 12 with a left groin strain. After returning for one game in September, Affeldt was shut down for the rest of the season.{{cite news |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/18/jeremy-affeldt-is-done-for-the-season/ |title=Jeremy Affeldt is done for the season |first=Drew |last=Silva |date=September 18, 2013 |publisher=NBCSports.com}}

Affeldt started the 2014 season on the disabled list with a strained MCL in his right knee.{{cite news |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/29/giants-marco-scutaro-jeremy-affeldt-to-begin-season-on-disabled-list/ |title=Giants' Marco Scutaro, Jeremy Affeldt to begin season on disabled list |first=Bill |last=Baer |date=March 29, 2014 |publisher=NBCSports.com}} Appearing in 62 games, Affeldt recorded a 2.28 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 14 walks.

In Game 5 of the 2014 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, Affeldt entered the game in the top of the ninth with two outs and the bases loaded, retiring Oscar Taveras (in what would be his final career at bat) on a comebacker to preserve a 3–3 tie. Affeldt was credited with the win when Travis Ishikawa hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to clinch the pennant for the Giants.{{cite web|title=Travis Ishikawa's 3-run walk-off HR sends Giants to World Series|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=341016126|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017195028/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=341016126|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 17, 2014|website=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|access-date=17 October 2014}}

Affeldt earned the win in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series against his first Major League team the Kansas City Royals. Affeldt was brought in from the bullpen in the 2nd inning and pitched {{frac|2|1|3}} innings of scoreless baseball before giving way to series MVP Madison Bumgarner, who finished the game. On getting the Game 7 win at Kauffman Stadium, where he started his career, Affeldt said, "To be able to do it in Kansas City, with my past history, it just means a lot to me. It means my end was better than my beginning."{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_26827773/world-series-notebook-giants-reliever-jeremy-affeldt-caps |title=World Series notebook: Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt caps huge postseason with win in Game 7 |author1=Daniel Brown |author2=Carl Steward |work=San Jose Mercury News |date=October 29, 2014}}

In the 2014 postseason, Affeldt pitched in 11 games, allowing just 5 hits and no runs over {{frac|11|2|3}} innings. Affeldt entered games in seven different innings and pitched in nine different innings overall, from the 2nd through the 10th.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/jayson-stark/post/_/id/1023/the-greatest-october-feat-nobody-noticed |title=The greatest October feat nobody noticed |first=Jayson |last=Stark |date=November 5, 2014 |work=ESPN.com}} Affeldt is the winning pitcher in the clinching games of the LCS and World Series in the same postseason.

Through three postseasons with the Giants, Affeldt recorded 22 consecutive scoreless outings, a streak bettered only by Mariano Rivera (23).{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/More-than-just-a-title-for-Morse-Affeldt-5857358.php |title=More than just a title for Morse, Affeldt |first=Al |last=Saracevic |date=October 30, 2014 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}

Affeldt struggled with injury and inconsistency in 2015. By late June, he had a 5.96 ERA and allowed five home runs, more than he allowed from 2012 to 2014 combined.{{cite news |url=http://www.knbr.com/2015/06/26/giants-place-affeldt-on-dl-recall-broadway/ |title=Giants place Affeldt on DL, recall Broadway |first=Connor |last=Grossman |date=June 26, 2015 |publisher=KNBR.com |access-date=August 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002210319/http://www.knbr.com/2015/06/26/giants-place-affeldt-on-dl-recall-broadway/ |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} He was placed on the disabled list with a left shoulder strain on June 26.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/13156405/left-hander-jeremy-affeldt-san-francisco-giants-goes-disabled-list-shoulder-strain |title=Jeremy Affeldt goes on DL for shoulder strain; RHP Mike Broadway recalled |date=June 26, 2015 |work=ESPN.com}} Affeldt returned July 22, but on August 24, he suffered another off-the-field injury, a left knee subluxation, while spending time at a lake with his family on an off-day.{{cite news |url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/2015/08/25/giants-notes-jeremy-affeldt-embarrassed-after-another-off-field-injury-puts-him-on-dl-joe-panik-wont-be-back-for-dodgers-series-etc/ |title=Giants notes: Jeremy Affeldt "embarrassed" after another off-field injury puts him on DL, Joe Panik won't be back for Dodgers series, etc. |first=Andrew |last=Baggarly |date=August 25, 2015 |work=San Jose Mercury News}}

On October 1, 2015, Affeldt announced he would retire after the 2015 season, making him the first member of the "Cour Four" out of the bullpen to retire.{{cite web|url=http://abc7news.com/sports/san-francisco-giants-relief-pitcher-jeremy-affeldt-to-retire-/1011500/|title=San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Jeremy Affeldt announces retirement|agency=Associated Press|date=October 1, 2015|work=ABC7 San Francisco|access-date=October 1, 2015}}{{cite web | last=Snyder | first=Matt | title=Farewell to the retiring Jeremy Affeldt, a three-time Series champ | website=CBSSports.com | date=2015-10-01 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/farewell-to-the-retiring-jeremy-affeldt-a-three-time-series-champ/ | access-date=2025-04-09}} On October 4, 2015 at AT&T Park, before the conclusion of Fan Appreciation Day and Weekend, the Giants honored Affeldt with a pregame retirement ceremony surrounded by his family, friends, Giants teammates, coaches, and executives. The ceremony included speeches from president and chief executive officer Larry Baer, manager Bruce Bochy, and starting pitcher Matt Cain, before Affeldt emotionally addressed the crowd. "...I'm going to return home to Spokane, but I can promise you that I'm never going to leave this city," Affeldt said as he was wrapping up his 15 minute 27 second speech.https://speakola.com/sports/jeremy-affeldt-retirement-2015 He made his final Major League appearance out of the bullpen later that day, pitching {{frac|0|2|3}} innings and retiring the only two hitters he faced. Bochy made a pitching change, allowing Affeldt to receive a standing ovation from his family, friends, and Giants announcers, coaches, executives, fans, and teammates as he walked off the mound. As he walked down the steps into the dugout, he was greeted and embraced by all of his teammates and coaches. The event and game was broadcast live on local television on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/jeremy-affeldt-honored-by-giants/c-153215714 | title=Emotions soar as Giants bid Affeldt farewell | website=MLB.com | date=October 4, 2015 }}{{cite web | last=Shea | first=John | title=Jeremy Affeldt gets emotional in retirement ceremony before Giants finale | website=SFGATE | date=2015-10-04 | url=https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Jeremy-Affeldt-retirement-ceremony-6549626.php | access-date=2025-01-26}}

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After retiring as a player, Affeldt joined CSN Bay Area as a studio analyst for Giants Pregame Live and Giants Postgame Live for the 2016 season.{{cite press release |url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/article/csn-bay-area-announces-2016-san-francisco-giants-coverage |title=CSN Bay Area Announces 2016 San Francisco Giants Coverage |date=February 11, 2016 |first=Jay |last=Dela Cruz |publisher=CSN Bay Area}} Affeldt also rejoined the Giants organization as a community ambassador.{{cite press release |url=http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/166239382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311124338/http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/166239382 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |title=Jeremy Affeldt returns to the Giants as a Community Ambassador for the 2016 season |date=March 4, 2016 |work=MLB.com}} In mid-September 2016, during game radio broadcasts on KNBR, he provided commentary and opinion on-air with alternating Giants broadcasters, as regulars Jon Miller and Dave Flemming were away 'on assignment'.Refer to game transcript/archive. In February 2017 it was announced that Affeldt, along with Javier López, would be serving as fill-in color analysts on Giants telecasts during the 2017 season, due to regular analyst Mike Krukow reducing his schedule. Affeldt was not brought back as an analyst for 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-Krukow-to-cut-TV-schedule-replaced-by-10920750.php|title=Giants' Krukow to cut TV schedule, replaced by Lopez, Affeldt|last=Schulman|first=Henry|website=SFGate.com|date=February 9, 2017}}

Affeldt had three different kinds of pitches: a sinking fastball (which is rare for a lefty), a curveball, and a split. His fastball travelled in the low nineties, and while his curveball was not fast, it had late breaking action and got a lot of swing-throughs. Affeldt induced groundballs at a high rate with his sinking fastball and could also get the strikeout when the situation called for it.{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/teams/players/bio/?id=1945 |title=Jeremy Affeldt #41-P |publisher=TSN |access-date=March 3, 2011}}{{cite web |author=Royals retro |url=http://www.royalsreview.com/2007/8/27/133053/778 |title=The 100 Greatest Royals of All-Time – #92 Jeremy Affeldt |publisher=Royals Review |date=August 27, 2007 |access-date=December 30, 2010}}

During his playing career, Affeldt and his family lived in Spokane, Washington.{{cite web |last=Erickson |first=Dave |url=http://www.kxly.com/news/25560548/detail.html |title=Giants star has Spokane roots |publisher=KXLY 4 |date=October 29, 2010 |access-date=December 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031175848/http://www.kxly.com/news/25560548/detail.html |archive-date=October 31, 2010 |df=mdy-all }} As of 2022, Affeldt, his wife Candace, and family reside in the town of Boerne, Texas, just outside of San Antonio. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Free Roam Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Boerne which opened in 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink/former-major-league-baseball-pitcher-jeremy-affeldts-free-roam-brewing-opens-in-boerne-28113639|last=Rangel|first=Nina|title=Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jeremy Affeldt's Free Roam Brewing opens in Boerne|work=San Antonio Current|date=January 31, 2022|access-date=March 20, 2023}}

Affeldt is a devout Christian and a strong advocate for ending child poverty. He writes a weekly blog about his Christian faith and his desire to stir a movement in the cause of helping the suffering and marginalized.{{cite web |last=Affeldt |first=Jeremy |title=Where Is The Love? |url=http://jeremyaffeldt.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/where-is-the-love/ |publisher=Wordpress |date=October 26, 2010 |access-date=October 31, 2010}}

File:Jeremy Affeldt (7852012) (cropped).jpg

In October 2010, during a visit to a Bay Area elementary school alongside former Giants pitcher Juan Marichal, Affeldt told the students, "I try to make sure everybody, all the young people in the world, also have a chance to dream really big."{{cite web |last=McMenamin |first=Dan |title=Giants Player Nominated for Humanitarian Award |url=http://sfappeal.com/news/2010/10/giants-player-nominated-for-humanitarian-award.php |publisher=SF Appeal |date=October 28, 2010 |access-date=October 31, 2010}} In 2009, Affeldt donated $5,000 to the Not for Sale campaign for opening a medical clinic in Thailand for former child slaves.{{cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |title=Affeldt's impact extends further than the mound |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101018&content_id=15689834&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |work=MLB.com |date=October 18, 2010 |access-date=October 31, 2010}} He also became a prominent member of Not For Sale's Free2Play campaign, pledging a $100 donation for every strikeout{{cite web |last=Davies-Stofka |first=Beth |title=Youth Ministry and Philanthropy: An Interview with Jeremy Affeldt |url=http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Youth-Ministry-and-Philanthropy.html |publisher=Patheos.com |date=February 23, 2010 |access-date=October 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618144103/http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Youth-Ministry-and-Philanthropy.html |archive-date=June 18, 2010 |df=mdy-all }} and recruiting other professional athletes, including his teammate Matt Cain and the St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday. In addition, Affeldt has lent his support as a spokesperson for Larkin Street Youth Services, a San Francisco non-profit that provides services to young people experiencing homelessness.{{Citation|last=larkinstreetyouth|title=Why Jeremy Affeldt, SF Giants Pitcher, supports Larkin Street|date=2012-01-13|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TUwTn6MWE0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/_TUwTn6MWE0| archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live|access-date=2017-01-05}}{{cbignore}}

In 2009, Affeldt was recognized for his anti–slavery efforts by a nomination for the Jefferson Award for Public Service, and in 2010, he was the San Francisco Giants' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. Affeldt also founded an organization known as Generation Alive that exists to develop a generation of young leaders, committed to serving others and responding to the needs in their community. In 2013, Affeldt released a book entitled To Stir a Movement: Life, Justice, and Major League Baseball. In the book, Affeldt recounted a contract situation in 2010 where he voluntarily returned $500,000 to the Giants after discovering a clerical error.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Why-Affeldt-turned-down-500-000-4516372.php |title=Why Affeldt turned down $500,000 |first=Hank |last=Schulman |date=May 15, 2013 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}} In 2015, Affeldt received an honorary degree from Whitworth University for his humanitarian efforts.{{cite news |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/110721706/altruistic-jeremy-affeldt-accepts-honorary-degree |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301124931/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/110721706/altruistic-jeremy-affeldt-accepts-honorary-degree |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 1, 2015 |title=Altruistic Affeldt accepts honorary degree |first=Chris |last=Haft |date=February 28, 2015 |work=MLB.com}}

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