Blue Jays Ink Jeff Hoffman to $33M Deal, Aiming to Bolster League's Worst Bullpen

January 11, 2025
Blue Jays Ink Jeff Hoffman to $33M Deal, Aiming to Bolster League's Worst Bullpen
  • Jeff Hoffman has signed a three-year contract worth $33 million with the Toronto Blue Jays, announced on January 10, 2025.

  • Hoffman previously struggled for seven years with the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds before revitalizing his career with the Philadelphia Phillies.

  • Toronto's general manager, Ross Atkins, expressed excitement about Hoffman's addition to the bullpen, highlighting his elite strike-throwing ability and competitiveness.

  • Last season, Hoffman played for the Philadelphia Phillies, achieving a record of 3-3 with a 2.17 ERA and 10 saves, earning his first All-Star selection in July 2024.

  • His contract includes a $5 million signing bonus, a salary of $6 million in 2025, and $11 million for each of the next two seasons, along with performance bonuses based on innings pitched.

  • Despite interest from some teams for a starting role, Hoffman is expected to serve in the bullpen and may close games for the Blue Jays, who had the worst bullpen in the American League last season.

  • The Boston Red Sox are still seeking to enhance their bullpen after already adding Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson this offseason.

  • Originally drafted by the Blue Jays as the ninth overall pick in 2014, Hoffman was traded to the Colorado Rockies the following year in a deal involving Troy Tulowitzki.

  • Over the last two seasons, Hoffman ranks sixth among relievers in innings pitched and strikeout rate, trailing top relievers like Aroldis Chapman and Josh Hader.

  • In the 2023 postseason, Hoffman had a mixed performance, pitching six shutout innings against Arizona but struggling against the New York Mets.

  • As of the beginning of the 2025 season, Hoffman has recorded 12 career saves and is set to turn 32 years old in January.

  • Hoffman set career highs in ERA, saves, and appearances, pitching in 68 games and striking out 89 batters while allowing only a .197 batting average against.

Summary based on 5 sources


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