Blue Jays in Talks with All-Star Reliever Jeff Hoffman for Multi-Year Deal

The Toronto Blue Jays are in advanced discussions with free agent relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman, according to reports on Friday. The two sides are negotiating a potential multi-year contract, signaling the Blue Jays’ intent to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2025 MLB season.

Hoffman, 32, is coming off a standout 2024 campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he earned his first career All-Star selection. Over the past two seasons, the right-hander appeared in 122 games, posting an 8-5 record with a 2.28 ERA, 0.944 WHIP, and 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings. He also recorded 11 saves and 32 holds, contributing a 3.9 WAR to the Phillies’ bullpen.

Before his tenure in Philadelphia, Hoffman spent five seasons with the Colorado Rockies and two with the Cincinnati Reds. His journey in the majors began after being drafted ninth overall by the Blue Jays in 2014, though he was traded to the Rockies the following year as part of the blockbuster deal that sent José Reyes to Toronto in exchange for Troy Tulowitzki.

Hoffman was once a highly touted prospect, ranking No. 3 in the Blue Jays’ farm system and later cracking the top 50 in all of baseball by 2017. However, he struggled to meet expectations as a starter before finding success in a relief role.

The Blue Jays are in dire need of bullpen reinforcements after finishing the 2024 season with the worst ERA (4.82) in the American League. Earlier this offseason, they re-signed Yimi García to a two-year, $15 million deal. García, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners midseason in 2024, had been a reliable arm for Toronto in previous years.

Adding Hoffman would provide further stability to a bullpen that lost closer Jordan Romano to free agency. Romano, who battled injuries in 2024, signed with another team in December. The potential acquisition of Hoffman, combined with García and trade addition Nick Sandlin, could help the Blue Jays address their pitching woes as they prepare for Opening Day.

Hoffman’s potential return to Toronto marks a full-circle moment for the pitcher, who was originally drafted by the Blue Jays over a decade ago. If the deal is finalized, it could signal a new chapter for both Hoffman and the team as they aim to compete in a highly competitive AL East division.