Blue Jays: Scouting report and analysis on RHP Jeff Hoffman

The Toronto Blue Jays have added reinforcements to their bullpen, signing right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman. The deal is allegedly worth three years at $33 million with incentives that could push the deal toward $40 million. Hoffman has had previous dealings with the Blue Jays and the club had reportedly been eying him for some time this winter.

The Baltimore Orioles allegedly had a deal in place with Hoffman that was aborted due to concerns with his medical records. It was reported that the Orioles flagged his physical due to concerns about his right shoulder. Days later, Toronto took a stab and put $33 million on the line.

Hoffman is a nine-year veteran in the league. He was drafted back in 2014 out of East Carolina University. Ironically, Hoffman was selected by the Blue Jays in the first round, ninth overall. The ex-Philadelphia Philly was drafted the same year by the same team as the new Phillies closer, Jordan Romano, although he was a tenth-round selection. The Jays would trade the right-hander a year later to the Colorado Rockies as part of the trade package for Troy Tulowitzki.

Hoffman served five years in Colorado with the Rockies, two years in Cincinnati with the Reds, and the last two years with the Phillies. The reliever cracked the All-Star festivities for the first time this past season.

Hoffman’s Statistics

Hoffman transitioned from being a starter in Colorado to a full-time bullpen arm in 2022, solidifying himself as a mid-inning reliever before being entrusted with working in the later innings. He’s able to push beyond three innings a game and could go further if needed given his starting pedigree and his performance last season ended up being one of the most effective outings of his career.

His All-Star appearance was solidified with a career single-season low 2.17 ERA through 66 and 1/3 innings. He struck out 89 hitters, which is a career-high. He walked 16 hitters which is his third lowest in nine seasons. Hoffman also recorded 10 saves. He ranked in the 80th percentile in terms of pitching run value (+11) and boasted numerous metrics above the 90th percentile, including chase% (34.6), whiff% (35.3), and K% (33.6), with the right-hander authoring a 12.1 K/9 in his contract walk year.