Toronto Blue Jays Finally Get A Top Free Agent By Signing Reliever… read more
Toronto Blue Jays Make a Splash in Free Agency with the Signing of Jeff Hoffman
The Toronto Blue Jays have finally made a significant move in free agency, signing reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal. This move comes after the Blue Jays were linked to several high-profile free agents, including Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Corbin Burnes, but ultimately failed to sign any of them.
Hoffman’s signing is a significant addition to the Blue Jays’ bullpen, which struggled mightily in 2024. The team’s bullpen ERA was a dismal 4.82, second-worst in baseball, and they allowed a major league-worst 92 home runs. Hoffman’s arrival is expected to help stabilize the bullpen and provide a reliable option for manager John Schneider.
The 30-year-old Hoffman is coming off a stellar two-year run with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he compiled a 2.28 ERA in 122 appearances. He set a career high with 68 appearances in 2024 and posted a career-low 2.17 ERA in 66 1/3 innings. Hoffman’s success is largely due to his ability to miss bats, as evidenced by his 158 strikeouts in 473 hitters faced over the past two seasons.
The Blue Jays’ signing of Hoffman is essentially a trade with the Phillies, as Jordan Romano signed with Philadelphia on a one-year, $8.5 million deal. Romano’s departure was made possible by the Blue Jays’ decision to non-tender him after he sustained an elbow injury that limited him to just 15 appearances in 2024.
Hoffman’s addition to the Blue Jays’ bullpen is a significant upgrade, and general manager Ross Atkins is thrilled to have him on board. “We are excited to add Jeff to our bullpen,” Atkins said in a statement. “His arsenal, strike throwing, and ability to miss bats against all types of hitters is elite and will undoubtedly make us better.”
The Blue Jays’ signing of Hoffman is a welcome addition to a team that has struggled to find consistency in the bullpen. While the team still has work to do to become a legitimate contender, Hoffman’s arrival is a step in the right direction.
The Blue Jays’ offseason has been relatively quiet compared to some of their American League East rivals. The New York Yankees have made several big splashes, signing Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Max Fried. The Boston Red Sox have also been active, acquiring Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler.
As the Blue Jays look to compete in a crowded AL East, they will need to make additional moves to strengthen their roster. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the team is the impending free agency of star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Blue Jays will need to decide whether to extend Guerrero’s contract or risk losing him to free agency.
For now, the Blue Jays can take solace in the fact that they have added a talented reliever to their bullpen. Hoffman’s signing is a positive step forward for a team that is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season.
