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Jeff Hoffman Shares Heartfelt Message With Phillies Organization Amid Departure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The offseason following the 2024 MLB season for the Philadelphia Phillies saw multiple star relievers leave in free agency. Carlos Esteves left for the Kansas City Royals, but the hardest-hitting departure was Jeff Hoffman to the Toronto Blue Jays.

With the Phillies coming to Toronto, Hoffman had a chance to talk with his former teammates and those within the Phillies organization, and he still has connections. In an article from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Hoffman shared a heartfelt message with the Phillies organization.

"I'm really thankful and grateful for the opportunity they gave me," Hoffman said. "That allowed me to do what I have done, come here and make some money, and put my family in a great position to be successful moving forward. I owe a lot of that to them. I definitely wouldn't be here without that."

Hoffman's heartfelt message comes after just two years in Philadelphia. But those two years were instrumental in Hoffman finding success at the Major League level.

In the seven seasons before joining the Phillies, Hoffman struggled as he couldn't find his footing with the Colorado Rockies or Cincinnati Reds. Hoffman, in 134 games, 50 of which he started, threw for a 5.68 ERA. He went 15-21, and across his 348.1 innings, he struck out 321 batters and walked 175.

The beginning of his career saw Hoffman accumulate negative 0.1 WAR, with no season above a 1.0 WAR. However, things took a drastic change once he made it to Philadelphia. During the 2023 season, Hoffman put up 1.9 WAR and had a 2.41 ERA across 52.1 innings pitched.

In his first year in Philadelphia, Hoffman already outperformed his entire seven-year career before then. Then in 2024, Hoffman was even better. He pitched 66.1 innings, struck out 89 batters, had just 16 walks, and had an ERA of 2.17. Not only did Hoffman net 2.0 WAR, but he was also named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

While his Phillies tenure lasted just two years, Hoffman's love for the team is greater than anywhere else he's been. His free agency departure stung, but Hoffman was able to build his career up in Philadelphia and secure himself and his family a stable future.

Hoffman's heartfelt message was filled with gratitude for the opportunity. The 32-year-old reliever may no longer be a member of the Phillies, but his appreciation for the team and organization is strong.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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