Phillies could turn to old friend in quest for bullpen help

The Philadelphia Phillies' quest to upgrade their bullpen could lead to a familiar face.

According to Bob Nightengale of  USA Today, the Phillies are looking to improve their bullpen and rotation while adding another right-handed hitting outfielder. The Phillies have a potential target in mind to upgrade the bullpen — Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman.

Hoffman had begun his professional career as a starter when he was taken with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. He was unable to live up to expectations in the rotation, eventually finding sustained success when he shifted to the bullpen with the Reds in 2022.

After Hoffman spent a month in spring training with the Twins, the Phillies scooped him up at the start of the 2023 season. That move proved to be a masterstroke as Hoffman emerged as one of the best setup men in the majors. He posted a 2.28 ERA and a 0.944 WHIP over his 118.2 innings, striking out 158 batters with 35 walks.

Jeff Hoffman could be intriguing addition for Philadelphia Phillies

Hoffman has not had the same success with the Blue Jays. He had been their closer in 2025 and at the start of the 2026 season before losing the job due to Louis Varland. Hoffman has posted a 4.38 ERA and a 1.279 WHIP over his 111 innings in Toronto, striking out 151 batters with 43 walks. He has bounced back from a rough start to this season, but his 4.40 ERA and 1.419 WHIP in 43 innings speak volumes as to his performance in the first few weeks.

A good portion of Hoffman's struggles this season could be due to bad luck. He has allowed an astonishing .409 batting average on balls in play against, 119 points above league average. He has generated a great deal of soft contact (32.4% hard-hit rate) while keeping the ball on the ground (45.3% ground ball rate). His stuff is as good as it was in Philadelphia and he is striking out a career-high 14 batters per nine innings this season. A return to Philadelphia could be what both sides need.