Chad Green clears waivers and elects free agency

Signed during the 2022-23 off-season, Green was recovering from Tommy John surgery and didn’t make his Blue Jays debut until September 1, 2023. Ironically, the Jays were in Denver to face the Colorado Rockies, and it was a rough outing, giving up four earned runs in two-thirds of an inning. Green finished with a 5.25 ERA and 2.67 FIP in 12 innings pitched in his debut season with the Jays. After the season, the Blue Jays picked up his two-year option.

The reliever’s best season in a Blue Jays jersey was in 2024. As a whole, he finished with a 3.21 ERA and 4.29 FIP in 53 innings pitched, saving 17 games in 20 opportunities. Before the 2024 trade deadline, Green had a 1.62 ERA and 4.16 FIP in 33.1 innings pitched – this is when the Blue Jays should have traded him. By the end of August, Green had a 1.61 ERA and 4.04 FIP in 44.2 innings pitched.

However, Green had a disastrous September, posting an 11.42 ERA and 5.59 FIP in 8.2 innings pitched, giving up two home runs in those 10 games. Unfortunately, his struggles continued into the 2025 season, as he had a 5.56 ERA and 6.70 FIP in 43.2 innings pitched with the Jays before being released.

There was a month-long stretch where Green looked solid this season, as he had a 0.84 ERA and 4.70 FIP in 10.2 innings pitched from June 18 until July 12, but even then, he gave up five walks to just seven strikeouts. Over his final four outings, Green gave up 11 earned runs and four home runs in just 3.2 innings pitched for a 27 ERA and 15.65 FIP.

It’s the end of Green’s Blue Jays tenure, as there was never a chance he would have reported to the Buffalo Bisons. That said, Green will likely find another team in the big leagues on a show-me contract. Whether that is with a contender, a playoff hopeful, a rebuilding team, or even a minor-league deal with a contender, expect him to sign a contract sometime soon.