Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre on July 22. Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Toronto Blue Jays Closer Enters Historic Group in First Season with Team

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 10:10 AM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-8 on Wednesday afternoon at Camden Yards, salvaging the fourth game of a four-game series.

Toronto scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to help fuel the victory and Jeff Hoffman locked down his 25th save of the season.

With that save, he lowered his season ERA to 4.76. Signed this past offseason to help anchor a woeful Toronto bullpen, he's entered some special team history, according to @StatsCentre:

25+ saves recorded by a pitcher in their 1st season playing with the @BlueJays franchise:
38- B.J. Ryan (2006)
37- Kevin Gregg (2010)
31- Billy Koch (1999)
28- Randy Myers (1998)
25- Jeff Hoffman (2025 via pulling off a 1-2-3 ninth inning in today's 9-8 victory over the Orioles)

25+ saves recorded by a pitcher in their 1st season playing with the @BlueJays franchise:
38- B.J. Ryan (2006)
37- Kevin Gregg (2010)
31- Billy Koch (1999)
28- Randy Myers (1998)
25- Jeff Hoffman (2025 via pulling off a 1-2-3 ninth inning in today's 9-8 victory over the Orioles) pic.twitter.com/4CO81AXQfu
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) July 30, 2025

A 32-year-old veteran of 10 major league seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and Blue Jays, he's gone 29-30 lifetime with a 4.81 ERA. However, he's become an excellent reliever since making the full-time switch in the 2022 season. He helped the Phillies to a National League East crown in 2024.

Toronto is now 64-46 on the season and they lead the American League East. They've already acquired former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber at the trade deadline and reliever Seranthony Dominguez and could have more moves up their sleeves by the time Thursday's trade deadline concludes.

Toronto will resume play on Friday night when they play the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. ET. The Jays haven't announced a starter yet.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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