Blue Jays: Revisiting first round selections since the 2009 amateur draft

2014- Jeff Hoffman: Drafted 1st round, 9th overall

The Toronto Blue Jays took another gamble on a college pitcher in 2014, selecting Jeff Hoffman at 9th overall and signing him at $3.1 million dollars. The gamble, in this case, was not related to his talent, but rather that he underwent Tommy John surgery while playing college ball for East Carolina. Before his injury, there was a possibility that Hoffman could be selected in the top 5 overall.

Hoffman began his Blue Jays career in 2015, starting in Dunedin and working his way to AA ball in New Hampshire later that year.

His tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays was also short-lived, as he was part of the package deal that led the Blue Jays to acquire Troy Tulowitzki.

Since the trade, Jeff has seen sporadic time on the Colorado Rockies active roster. Although he appeared briefly in 2016 and 2018, Hoffman started 16 games for the Rockies in 2017, and ultimately appeared in 23 contests for the team. He would finish that season with a 5.89 ERA and 6-5 record.

At 26 years old, the Colorado prospect started 2019 in AAA ball but could be expected to pitch in the big leagues if injuries arise on the major league squad. If he wants to pitch in the MLB again, he will need to improve his ERA or he could be destined to the bullpen or a life in the minor leagues.