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Jeff Hoffman Returns to Blue Jays on $33M Deal After Orioles Flagged Physical

Jan 11, 2025, 12:44 AM

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million contract, the team announced on January 11, 2025. The deal includes incentives that could increase its value to $39 million, with $500,000 bonuses at 60, 70, 80, and 90 innings pitched each year. Hoffman returns to the Blue Jays nearly a decade after being drafted ninth overall by the team in 2014 and later traded to the Colorado Rockies in the Troy Tulowitzki deal. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated Brett de Geus for assignment. Hoffman's signing comes as the Blue Jays look to strengthen a bullpen that manager John Schneider estimated cost the team 10 wins in the 2024 season. General Manager Ross Atkins stated, "We are excited to add Jeff to our bullpen. His arsenal, strike throwing, and ability to miss bats against all types of hitters is elite and will undoubtedly make us better. Jeff will get an opportunity to close games for us." Hoffman has emerged as an elite reliever, boasting a fastball that sits at 97 mph and striking out approximately one-third of the batters he faces. There is also potential for him to transition into a starting role during the course of his contract. His addition allows other relievers like Yimi García, Erik Swanson, and Chad Green to move into more natural roles, simplifying bullpen management for pitching coach Pete Walker and manager John Schneider. Prior to signing with Toronto, Hoffman had reportedly reached a three-year, $40 million agreement with the Baltimore Orioles. However, the Orioles backed out of the deal after concerns arose during his physical examination regarding damage in his throwing shoulder.