Chad Green Bio
Chad Keith Green, born on May 24, 1991, is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has spent his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays, building a reputation as a reliable reliever. Green is best known for his high strikeout rate, his role as an opener, and his successful return from Tommy John surgery.
Early Life and Background
Chad Keith Green was born on May 24, 1991, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Howard and Sheena Green. He grew up alongside a twin brother, Chase, who played shortstop at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, as well as an older sister named Lynsie and an older brother named Blake. The family later relocated to Illinois, where Green attended Effingham High School in Effingham, Illinois.
At Effingham High School, Green emerged as a standout pitcher. He was a three-time All-Apollo Conference selection, a two-time All-Area honoree, and an All-State selection as a senior. His success on the mound drew the attention of MLB scouts, and the Toronto Blue Jays selected him in the 37th round of the 2010 MLB draft. Green chose not to sign with Toronto and instead enrolled at the University of Louisville to continue his development.
Path to Baseball
At the University of Louisville, Green played college baseball for the Louisville Cardinals and left as the school’s all-time career earned run average (ERA) leader at 2.38. During the summers of 2011 and 2012, he sharpened his skills with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premier collegiate summer leagues in the country. These experiences helped him develop into a polished prospect heading into the 2013 MLB draft.
Chad Green Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
The Detroit Tigers selected Green in the 11th round of the 2013 MLB draft. He made his professional debut that year with the Gulf Coast League Tigers before being promoted to the Lakeland Flying Tigers, where he posted a 3–0 record with a 3.63 ERA in 17+1⁄3 innings. In 2014, he pitched for the West Michigan Whitecaps and went 6–4 with a 3.11 ERA across 23 starts. He split 2015 with the Erie SeaWolves, finishing with a 5–14 record and a 5.93 ERA in 27 starts.
On December 9, 2015, the Detroit Tigers traded Green and Luis Cessa to the New York Yankees in exchange for Justin Wilson, setting the stage for his MLB career.
New York Yankees Era (2016–2022)
Green began the 2016 season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders before being promoted to the major leagues on May 14, 2016. He made his MLB debut two days later. After a brief stint in the starting rotation, the Yankees shut him down for the season due to a sprained elbow ligament. He finished 2–4 with a 4.73 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 42+2⁄3 innings.
In 2017, Green thrived out of the bullpen, going 5–0 with a 1.83 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 69 innings. He and teammate Dellin Betances became just the sixth pair of teammates to record 100 strikeouts as relievers in the same season. Green also played a key role in the 2017 American League Wild Card Game, striking out four batters in two innings of relief.
Green spent the entire 2018 season in the Yankees bullpen but struggled mid-season, posting a 6.75 ERA across 12 appearances before reintroducing a changeup into his repertoire. In 2019, he served as the team’s opener 15 times, finishing 4–4 with a 4.17 ERA. He pitched 4+2⁄3 scoreless innings in the playoffs that year before allowing a three-run homer to Carlos Correa in Game 4 of the 2019 ALCS.
Green posted a 3.51 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 25+2⁄3 innings during the shortened 2020 season. In 2021, he went 10–7 with a 3.12 ERA, 99 strikeouts, and a career-high six saves across 67 appearances. On May 19, 2022, Green exited a game against the Baltimore Orioles with right forearm discomfort. Three days later, the team announced he would undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his 2022 season.
Toronto Blue Jays Era (2023–2025)
On January 31, 2023, Green signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays while still recovering from Tommy John surgery. The contract included a series of complex team and player options tied to games pitched. He was activated from the injured list on September 1, 2023, and made his Blue Jays debut that same day. Following the 2023 season, Toronto exercised its two-year, $21 million option.
In 2024, Green made 53 relief appearances for the Blue Jays, going 4–6 with a 3.21 ERA, 46 strikeouts, and 17 saves across 53+1⁄3 innings. He pitched in 45 games in 2025, registering a 3–2 record and 5.56 ERA with 35 strikeouts and one save in 43+2⁄3 innings. On July 29, 2025, Toronto designated him for assignment in exchange for Seranthony Dominguez, and he was released on August 3, 2025, after clearing waivers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although he has spent most of his MLB career in the bullpen, Green has shown the versatility to start games and serve as an opener. His high strikeout rate and ability to generate swings and misses have been his defining traits on the mound.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Green’s signature moments came in the 2017 American League Wild Card Game, when he entered in the first inning and struck out four batters in two innings to keep the Yankees in the game. He also became one of only six pairs of teammates to record 100 strikeouts as relievers in a single season alongside Dellin Betances.
Chad Green Career Wins
Chad Green has compiled a strong record as a reliever across his MLB career with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Through the 2025 season, he has posted a 43–30 win–loss record with a 3.43 ERA and 591 strikeouts.
New York Yankees Highlights
During his time with the Yankees from 2016 to 2022, Green established himself as a reliable bullpen arm. His 2017 season stood out, when he went 5–0 with a 1.83 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 69 innings. He added a 10–7 record with a career-high six saves in 2021.
Toronto Blue Jays Highlights
With the Blue Jays, Green served as a high-leverage reliever and closer. In 2024, he notched 17 saves across 53 appearances and posted a 3.21 ERA. His 2025 campaign was cut short when he was designated for assignment in late July.
Chad Green Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Chad Keith Green was raised in a close-knit family by his parents, Howard and Sheena Green. He shares a special bond with his twin brother, Chase, who played college baseball, and he has an older sister, Lynsie, and an older brother, Blake.
Green is married, and during the offseason, he and his wife make their home in Louisville, Kentucky.
2025 Season Performance
Chad Green’s 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays was a short one. He pitched in 45 games, going 3–2 with a 5.56 ERA, 35 strikeouts, and one save across 43+2⁄3 innings. His role in the Toronto bullpen diminished as the season progressed, and on July 29, 2025, the Blue Jays designated him for assignment after acquiring Seranthony Dominguez. Green cleared waivers and was released on August 3, 2025, becoming a free agent.