The Toronto Blue Jays signed All-Star right-hander Jeff Hoffman to a reported three-year, $33 million deal on Friday.
The Blue Jays announced the deal with the reliever who was a first-round draft pick (ninth overall) by the team in 2014. He was traded to the Colorado Rockies at the 2015 trade deadline as part of the package when Toronto acquired Troy Tulowitzki.
Hoffman, who turned 32 on Wednesday, will bolster the Toronto bullpen and get a chance to be the closer. The Blue Jays parted ways with two-time All-Star Jordan Romano in November.
“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,” Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement. “Jeff will get an opportunity to close games for us this season. His track record, competitiveness and experience make him a great complement to this group.”
Hoffman had a stellar season for the Philadelphia Phillies last season, going 3-3 with a 2.17 ERA and 10 saves in 68 relief appearances. He struck out 89 and gave up 48 hits and 16 walks in 66 1/3 innings while being named an All-Star for the first time.
In 2023, Hoffman allowed just 29 hits in 52 1/3 innings for the Phillies. He was 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 54 appearances.
Overall, Hoffman is 23-26 with a 4.82 ERA in 256 appearances (50 starts) in nine seasons with the Colorado Rockies (2016-20), Cincinnati Reds (2021-22) and Phillies.
Toronto also designated right-hander Brett de Geus for assignment. The 27-year-old is 3-4 with a 7.48 ERA in 60 career relief appearances with five teams. He pitched in two games for the Blue Jays last season.
–Field Level Media
