Jays Sign Jeff Hoffman

 

Photo From Sports Illustrated

Last night, the Blue Jays announced they had signed closing pitcher Jeff Hoffman to a three-year contract worth $33 million. Hoffman spent the previous two seasons in Philadelphia, putting up impressive numbers. In 2023, he went 5-2 as a reliever with a 2.41 ERA. He followed that up with another strong season in which he appeared in 68 games, recorded a 2.17 ERA, notched 10 saves, and finished with a 3-3 record. Hoffman is known for his high velocity and a repertoire of four pitches, giving him plenty of tools to strike batters out.

Hoffman earned All-Star honours last season, proving he’s capable of being an elite bullpen addition. However, in my opinion, the bullpen still isn’t complete. I believe Toronto needs to add a bottom-of-the-rotation starter. Doing so would allow Yariel Rodriguez to move back to the bullpen, where I think he is better suited for the team. Toronto initially planned to convert Yariel into a starting pitcher, and perhaps they still believe in that plan, but I don’t think it’s the right move.

Rodriguez was a reliever during the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Japan with Chunichi, and he excelled in that role. In 2021, pitching in the Japan Western League, he posted a 1.64 ERA over seven appearances with 40 strikeouts and 11 walks. In 2022, his final season before signing with Toronto, he pitched in 56 games for Chunichi in the Japan Central League, registering a 1.18 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 18 walks. To me, Rodriguez’s strength clearly lies in relief pitching, and the Jays would benefit from keeping him there.

Interestingly, Toronto wasn’t the only team pursuing Jeff Hoffman. AL East rival Baltimore reportedly offered him a three-year, $40 million deal. However, during the team physical, they flagged potential damage to Hoffman’s throwing shoulder and subsequently withdrew their offer. The extent of the injury remains unknown, but it’s concerning when a team backs out of a deal due to a potential health issue.

That said, if Hoffman can stay healthy, he should be an excellent addition to Toronto’s bullpen, which was ranked as one of the worst in baseball last season. Still, health and durability will understandably be a concern.

As for what’s next, the Blue Jays are reportedly in conversations with Anthony Santander and Alex Bregman. Additionally, they are working on a long-term extension with franchise player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after avoiding arbitration with a one-year, $28.5 million deal.