Jeff Hoffman confirms Orioles, Atlanta pulled out of deals before Jays signed him
The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant signing last week, finalizing a three-year contract worth $33 million US with reliever Jeff Hoffman. This deal came after both the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves backed out of agreements with Hoffman due to concerns about his pitching shoulder.
During the Blue Jays’ introductory Zoom news conference, Hoffman addressed the issue, stating that the MRIs that raised red flags for the Orioles and Braves were not aligned with how he personally felt. Despite the initial setbacks, Hoffman remained confident in his health and abilities.
The 32-year-old right-hander underwent physicals for both the Orioles and Braves before ultimately landing with the Blue Jays. He expressed surprise at the concerns raised during the evaluations, emphasizing his track record of good health over the past few seasons.
While Atlanta and Baltimore declined to comment on the situation, Toronto saw beyond the potential issues and offered Hoffman a lucrative deal. The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus, with annual salaries of $6 million for the first year and $11 million for each of the following two seasons. Hoffman also has the opportunity to earn up to $2 million annually in performance bonuses based on innings pitched.
Despite past stints on the injured list with forearm and shoulder issues, Hoffman was a first-time all-star in 2024 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He had a standout season, posting a 2.17 ERA, 10 saves, and setting career bests in appearances and strikeouts. However, he struggled in the playoffs, which may have impacted the Orioles and Braves’ initial interest.
Looking ahead, Hoffman is excited to return to his original major league organization, the Blue Jays, who drafted him in 2014. He is eager to prove himself and contribute to the team’s success moving forward. With the support of Toronto’s medical staff and management, Hoffman is focused on making a positive impact on the field.
In addition to his base salary, Hoffman has the potential to earn various performance bonuses, including incentives for winning awards like the Cy Young, being named an all-star, or achieving postseason success. These bonuses reflect the team’s confidence in Hoffman’s abilities and his potential to excel in the coming seasons.
Overall, the Blue Jays’ signing of Jeff Hoffman represents a strategic move to bolster their bullpen and add depth to their pitching staff. With Hoffman’s experience and talent, Toronto is poised to compete at a high level in the upcoming seasons.
