The Philadelphia Phillies won’t be enjoying the services of one of the MLB’s best relievers again in 2025.
Phillies watch Jeff Hoffman walk in free agency
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, former Phillies All-Star Jeff Hoffman agreed to join the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday:
“The Blue Jays open the marquee free-agent relief market by signing Jeff Hoffman to a 3-year, $33 million contract,” Nightengale reported. “The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus.”
Hoffman was stellar for Philadelphia last season. The 32-year-old boasted a career-best 2.17 ERA in 2024, and wowed with a 0.966 WHIP. Though he operated mostly out of the eighth-inning slot, Hoffman was wildly effective in ninth-inning play. He notched 10 saves last time out and only blew three saves behind an even more impressive 1.96 ERA in that slot. The East Carolina product also ranked in the 30th percentile or better in chase (34.6 percent), whiff (35.3 percent), and strikeout (33.6 percent) percentages.
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Blue Jays inherit strong reliever with closing capabilities
The Phillies received a major boost from him in leadup innings as well as when he filled in for closers Carlos Estevez and Jose Alvarado. Philadelphia still has Alvarado and acquired star closer Jordan Romano to man the ninth inning, as well as Devin Sweet, who could prove himself valuable in relief.
Nevertheless, the franchise will roll into 2025 without Hoffman and will see how their new-look bullpen will fare without the flamethrower’s efficient play. In turn, the Blue Jays inherit a reliever who can wear several hats for them and dominate next time out.
