In an unexpected turn of events, All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman ended up signing a $33 million, three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays last week after agreements with the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves fell through due to concerns those teams had about Hoffman’s pitching shoulder.
“The stuff they saw on the MRIs, whatever they saw was what their team docs were saying,” Hoffman explained during his introductory press conference with the Blue Jays. “Not any bit in line with the way I feel, though, so it’s not something that I’m really concerned about or worried about.”
The 32-year-old right-hander, who was originally drafted by the Blue Jays with the 9th overall pick in 2014 before being traded to the Rockies a year later, had in-person physicals with both the Orioles and Braves as part of finalizing contracts with those clubs. But the medical evaluations raised red flags that ultimately led to those deals being nixed.
“All the flags, physical stuff, was as big a surprise to me as anybody. If you can check my kind of track record over the past few seasons, I’ve been as healthy as anybody. It’s a nonissue for me.”
– Jeff Hoffman
Hoffman’s Health History
While Hoffman downplayed any concerns about his shoulder, he does have a history of arm issues:
- 2022 with Reds: Missed time after July 23 with right forearm stiffness
- 2021: On IL from May 27 to July 21 with sore right shoulder
- 2018 with Rockies: Sidelined early in season by right shoulder inflammation
However, Hoffman insisted his shoulder checked out fine when Blue Jays team doctors examined him. “When the team docs got their hands on me and everything for the actual physical orthopedic exam, there was really nothing to worry about,” he said. “My body’s moving great, range of motion, everything is normal for me.”
Breakout 2023 Season
Shoulder issues aside, there’s no denying Hoffman is coming off a stellar 2023 campaign in which he posted a 2.17 ERA with 10 saves and 89 strikeouts in 66⅓ innings for the Phillies. He held opponents to a paltry .197 average and 0.96 WHIP while earning his first All-Star nod.
The Blue Jays are banking on Hoffman to bolster a bullpen that lacked a reliable closer last season. If he can stay healthy and replicate his 2023 form, the $33 million investment could end up being a bargain for a late-inning weapon.
Back Where It All Began
For Hoffman, signing with the Blue Jays represents a full-circle moment, returning to the franchise that launched his professional career nearly a decade ago. He even has his original draft card from the Blue Jays framed and hanging on the wall, which was visible as he conducted the video press conference from his home.
“We always kind of felt like [Toronto] was a really cool place that we could end up. Been a little chaotic, obviously, but…the Blue Jays see me for what I am.”
– Jeff Hoffman
The Blue Jays are certainly taking a risk by investing $33 million in a pitcher two other teams backed away from this offseason. But if Hoffman’s shoulder holds up and he provides stability to the back end of their bullpen, it could prove to be one of the savvier signings of the winter. For now, Hoffman is focused on contributing to a club with lofty aspirations.
“I’d rather be in a place like that anyways,” Hoffman said of landing with the Blue Jays. After a “chaotic” process, he’s eager to get to work and help the Jays make a run at the AL East crown and beyond.
