In a year where there wasn’t much excitement from the Toronto Blue Jays‘ bullpen, Chad Green is being recognized for the stability he brought in relief.
The MLB Players Association announced the finalists for the annual Players Choice Awards on Monday, and Green was revealed as one of the final three up for the honour of American League Comeback Player.
The other two finalists are Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet and Boston Red Sox and Canadian outfielder Tyler O’Neill.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery while a member of the New York Yankees in 2022, Green signed with the Blue Jays the following off-season. He continued to rehab from the operation with Toronto, returning in September 2023.
But 2024 was his return to form. This past season, Green posted a 3.21 ERA in 53.1 innings for the Blue Jays while recording a team-high 17 saves. The 33-year-old also picked up 46 strikeouts and seven holds.
In the absence of Jordan Romano and Yimi Garcia, Green took over the full-time closer responsibilities in late June and converted his first 16 save opportunities. From June 25 through the end of August, the right-hander had a 1.67 ERA and 14 saves over 27 innings.
Former Blue Jays outfielder and 1992 World Series champion Dave Winfield was named as a finalist for the Curt Flood Award, which is given to a former player, “who in the image of Flood demonstrated a selfless, longtime devotion to the Players Association and advancement of Players’ rights.”
Former Montreal Expos pitcher and one-time All-Star Scott Sanderson is the other finalist.
All of the Players Choice Awards will be revealed before Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday.