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Phillies' Matt Strahm Sends Four-Word Message Amid Jeff Hoffman Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies lost reliever Jeff Hoffman in the offseason to the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Phillies unwilling to match Hoffman's demands, the two sides split, leading Hoffman to sign with the Blue Jays.

In an article from Matt Gelb of The Athletic , Matt Strahm, one of Hoffman's best friends from the Phillies, shared a four-word message on Hoffman's departure. Strahm said, "Sucks that he's gone."

Strahm and Hoffman were both members of the 2023 and 2024 Phillies teams that made postseason runs. While 2024 came up well short of their goal, the duo was a huge reason why the Phillies were as good as they were in 2024.

Hoffman had a career-best 2.17 ERA and 89 strikeouts en route to his first All-Star season. Strahm, meanwhile, was even better than Hoffman's incredible season. Strahm had a 1.87 ERA and 79 strikeouts, en route to his first All-Star appearance.

During their time together on the Phillies, Strahm and Hoffman were inseparable. In Gelb's article, Strahm shared how deep his and Hoffman's relationship is.

"I've been in it a long time now," Strahm said. "Jeff's one of those true friends. Ten years from now, when I'm driving through Florida, I'm going to have to pick up the phone and see what Jeff and Marissa are doing."

While Hoffman's departure to Toronto in the offseason was bittersweet for Strahm, the connection the two have is still strong. Years from now, when both are retired, they'll still share the friendship they kindled in Philadelphia.

Strahm's four-word message on Hoffman's departure is a sentiment shared by many Phillies fans. Hoffman's departure stung for Phillies fans and Strahm alike. In the words of Strahm, seeing his friend leave for the Blue Jays "sucks."

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

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