Blue Jays: Looking at who can challenge Jeff Hoffman for the closing job

"Signed to a three-year, $33 million deal (worth potentially more), Hoffman had shown to be an effective high-leverage reliever with the Philadelphia Phillies in the two prior years. In 2023, Hoffman posted a 2.41 ERA and 2.57 FIP in 52.1 innings pitched, with a 33.2 K% and 9.1 BB%. He was even better in 2024, authoring a 2.17 ERA and 2.52 FIP in 66.1 innings pitched, with a 33.6 K% and 6 BB%."

"Over 68 innings pitched, he had a 4.37 ERA and 4.90 FIP, with a 29.3 K% and 9.4 BB%. More worrisome was the fact he was prone to the longball. Last season, Hoffman gave up 15 home runs, the second-most for any reliever in the big leagues, only behind Washington Nationals' reliever Jackson Rutledge. No closer was even remotely close to Hoffman either, as Emilo Pagán 's 10 home runs was the next most for any closer with 30 or more saves."

The Toronto Blue Jays' closing role remains uncertain after Jeff Hoffman’s 2025 season. Hoffman arrived on a three-year, $33 million deal following two strong seasons with the Phillies (2023: 2.41 ERA, 2.57 FIP; 2024: 2.17 ERA, 2.52 FIP). He converted 33 saves in 40 opportunities but posted a 4.37 ERA and 4.90 FIP over 68 innings, with a 29.3 K% and 9.4 BB%. He allowed 15 home runs, the second-most among relievers. Hoffman was effective over 11.1 postseason innings until the World Series finale left doubts about his closing reliability.

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