Hayden Birdsong: Giants Pitcher to Undergo Tommy John Surgery | 2026-2027 Outlook

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – San Francisco Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong will undergo Tommy John surgery next week, effectively ending his 2026 season and impacting the Giants’ pitching depth. The announcement, made Thursday, comes after Birdsong experienced soreness in his throwing elbow following a Cactus League game on March 10th.

The 24-year-old pitcher was diagnosed with a forearm strain and a sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament, prompting a consultation with Dr. Keith Meister. After considering his options, Birdsong has opted for the surgical procedure, a decision manager Tony Vitello described as bringing “clarity” to the situation. “He would just like to kind of move on and make sure there’s not any creeping thoughts behind his back,” Vitello said. “He’s got convicted thoughts.”

Birdsong’s injury is a significant blow to a Giants team already navigating spring training injury concerns. While not projected to be a part of the Opening Day rotation, he was viewed as a valuable piece of potential starting or bullpen depth. The Giants currently anticipate a starting five of Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Tyler Mahle, Adrian Houser and Landen Roupp. The need for depth throughout a 162-game season is well-known, and the Giants now face the task of filling that role without Birdsong.

The Giants have several prospects who could potentially step into that depth role, including Carson Seymour, Carson Whisenhunt, and Blade Tidwell. Birdsong would have been competing with these arms for those opportunities.

The typical recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery is 12-16 months, meaning Birdsong is unlikely to return to the mound before mid-2027. The Giants will likely place him on the 60-day injured list when needed to create roster space. A positive, albeit small, outcome of the injury is that Birdsong will accrue a full year of major league service time and receive full pay, a benefit he wouldn’t have received while being frequently optioned to the minor leagues as a depth arm.

Birdsong’s 2025 season saw him post a 4-4 record with a 4.80 ERA in 21 appearances, including 10 starts, striking out 68 batters over 65 ⅔ innings. He had shown flashes of potential, with a 2.51 ERA in the minors in 2024, but struggled to replicate that success at the major league level, posting a 6.23 ERA in Triple-A last year.

The timing of the injury is particularly noteworthy given that both Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle are scheduled to become free agents after the 2026 season. This could potentially open up two rotation spots, creating opportunities for internal candidates like Seymour, Whisenhunt, or Tidwell to establish themselves. The Giants also have the flexibility to explore trades or free agent signings to address their pitching needs in the coming years.

Despite his recent struggles and the lengthy rehabilitation ahead, Birdsong remains a prospect with upside. He was once ranked as high as #42 overall by FanGraphs during the 2024 season. His ability to regain his form and contribute to the Giants’ rotation will depend on a successful recovery and continued development throughout his rehab process. The Giants will be hoping for a full recovery for the young pitcher, who could be a key part of their future plans.