As MLB free agency heats up, one of the most intriguing names on the market is All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman. The 31-year-old right-hander is coming off a sensational two-year run with the Philadelphia Phillies, emerging as one of baseball’s most dominant late-inning arms. But as Hoffman fields offers from around the league, he faces a fascinating question: should he aim to return to a starting role or stick with what’s worked so brilliantly in the bullpen?
Hoffman’s Remarkable Resurgence
It’s easy to forget now, but not long ago Jeff Hoffman was on the brink of falling out of the big leagues entirely. The former ninth overall draft pick struggled mightily in his first few MLB seasons with the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds, posting a paltry 0.9 career WAR prior to 2023. Hoffman points to mechanical changes and overthinking as key culprits in his early-career woes.
“I was fed a lot of mechanical bulls— through my early years, coaches trying to make their mark. If I would have picked and chose through that stuff, I wouldn’t have ended up wasting a few years early in my career.”
– Jeff Hoffman on his early struggles
But a simplified, athletic delivery and the development of a devastatingly effective pitch mix – a mid-90s fastball, upper-80s slider, and split-change – have turned Hoffman into one of the game’s most overpowering relievers. In his two seasons with Philadelphia, his 3.5 WAR ranks fifth among all MLB relievers.
Starter or Reliever?
While Hoffman has been lights-out in short stints, there is growing buzz that some teams may try to sign him as a starting pitcher. It’s a role the 6-foot-5 righty hasn’t held since 2019 with the Rockies, but Hoffman is intrigued by the possibility, pointing to the successful bullpen-to-rotation transitions of pitchers like Reynaldo Lopez and Jordan Hicks.
“I think I would be a great starter if given that opportunity again. It was cool seeing what [Reynaldo Lopez and Jordan Hicks] did last year and, for me with how healthy I am and what I’ve done the last few years with my arsenal, it’s an interesting thought.”
– Jeff Hoffman on potentially returning to a starting role
Still, Hoffman acknowledges the unique adrenaline that comes with pitching in high-leverage situations out of the bullpen. “I love pitching late in games,” he says. “All things being equal, I want to get the last out.”
The Philly Factor
As he surveys a robust market for his services, Hoffman admits the electric atmosphere in Philadelphia will be tough to walk away from. Pitching in front of the Phillies’ passionate fan base has been a career highlight.
“It’s hard to even explain what it feels like pitching in Philly, because of the noise, how in tune with the game [the fans] are, it feels like the field surface is alive. When the big moments happen, you can hear it from the ground up, like the stadium has the same heartbeat as you.”
– Jeff Hoffman on the electricity of pitching in Philadelphia
Regardless of where he ends up, Hoffman’s top priority is signing with a contending team where he can pitch deep into October. After getting a taste of playoff baseball with the Phillies, he’s hungry for more. “Playing meaningful baseball, it makes the clubhouse that much more enjoyable when everyone is playing for the same thing. That’s what I want out of my next situation.”
As one of the premium arms in this free agent class, Jeff Hoffman has no shortage of appealing options. Will he be enticed by a return to the rotation, or stick with what’s worked so spectacularly in the Phillies’ bullpen? Whichever path he chooses, expect the fireballing righty to be a difference-maker in 2025 and beyond.
