Jeff Hoffman went from a relatively obscure relief pitcher to one of the most reliable relievers in Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies.
It was truly stunning.
Hoffman recently avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract.
It marked the final year of arbitration eligibility for the right-hander, who completed the best season of his career with a 2.41 ERA over 52 1/3 innings in 2023.
As last season progressed, Hoffman became more reliable. And more effective.
His command was as good as any pitcher in the Phillies' bullpen.
When the 2023 season began, virtually no one could have seen this coming from Hoffman.
He pitched for the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds between 2016-22.
There were moments of success but not enough of them.
Hoffman finally appeared to have found something in 2022 with the Reds when he posted a 3.83 ERA in 35 games.
Then in a transaction which hardly shook the wire, the journeyman signed a minor league deal with Philadelphia on March 31, 2023. Sometimes, these types of moves become bigger than splashy free agent signings for $100 million.
Hoffman didn't start out on a great note with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, posting a 7.00 ERA in nine appearances.
But he showed enough to have his contract selected by the Phillies on May 4.
From there, something clicked and Hoffman started his ascent.
His salary now makes him an incredible bargain this season.
Success doesn't always translate from season to season, but it would tough to imagine Hoffman regressing too much. Philadelphia lost Craig Kimbrel to the Baltimore Orioles so a reliever like Hoffman will be counted on even more heavily because of his ability to pitch in any inning.
The confidence from last season should give him a huge boost.
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