Toronto Blue Jays Sign All-Star Reliever

The Toronto Blue Jays have officially signed free-agent reliever Jeff Hoffman to a multiyear deal, addressing a critical need in their bullpen. 

The 31-year-old All-Star returns to the organization where his professional career began, having been drafted by Toronto in 2014 before being traded to Colorado in the 2015 Troy Tulowitzki deal. 

Hoffman’s career has flourished in recent years, particularly during his two dominant seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he posted a 2.17 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 66.1 innings in 2024.

Free agent Jeff Hoffman and the Blue Jays have had productive dialogue in recent days on a potential multiyear deal, sources say. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 10, 2025

Hoffman’s transition to a bullpen role has revitalized his career, with his increased fastball velocity and ability to generate strikeouts making him one of the most effective late-inning arms in baseball. 

Last season, he recorded 10 saves and 21 holds, providing Philadelphia with critical late-game stability. His signing immediately bolsters Toronto’s bullpen, giving the team a reliable high-leverage option after losing closer Jordan Romano. 

Jeff Hoffman would significantly raise the *ceiling* of the Blue Jays pitching staff. He's been a monster back-end RP the last couple seasons and has all the goods to transition back to a SP. He would also slide Yariel to a bullpen role which kills two birds with one stone.…

— ⁶ (@Atkins2Alcatraz) January 10, 2025

This signing is a major step forward for the Blue Jays as they seek to address one of their most pressing weaknesses heading into the 2025 season. 

With Hoffman in the fold, Toronto now has a more solid late-inning pitching corps and continues to pursue additional impactful players like Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso to further enhance their roster.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images