5 former Blue Jays we would love to see return in free agency

RHP Jeff Hoffman

Originally a first-round pick (9th overall) by Toronto back in the 2014 MLB Draft, Jeff Hoffman never got his chance to shine with the Jays after he became a key piece in a 2015 blockbuster trade with the Colorado Rockies. With the Jays desperate in making the postseason for the first time in over two decades, GM Alex Anthopoulos went big by acquiring star shortstop Troy Tuluwitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins from the Rockies. In return, Toronto had to give up the promising right-hander, along with Jose Reyes, and prospects Miguel Castro and Jesus Tinoco.

Hoffman would go on to struggle for the bulk of his tenure with the Rockies as he compiled a dismal 10-16 record with a 6.40 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, along with 107 walks and 197 strikeouts in 230 2/3 innings of work over 68 appearances (including 38 starts). Things began to turn around for Hoffman and his career after joining the Cincinnati Reds in a trade ahead of the 2021 season. The Reds focussed on using him as a reliever and promising results began to show during his second year with the team, posting a solid 3.83 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings pitched. However, he still had some issues with the command of his pitches, averaging close to a 12% walk rate.

But Hoffman’s career officially took off after signing a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies at the start of the 2023 season. After being selected to the major league roster in early May that year, he has never looked back since. In his two seasons with the Phillies, Hoffman amassed elite numbers across the board, registering an 8-5 record with a 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, together with a whopping 158 strikeouts in just 118 2/3 innings pitched over 122 appearances. More significantly, he has finally harnessed his command, reducing his walk rate down to a minuscule 6% this past season. Hoffman had also demonstrated the ability to close out ballgames with 10 saves in 2024. In doing so, he is now one of the best relievers in the league.

Therefore, with the uncertainty surrounding Jordan Romano for the 2025 season, along with Hoffman being injury-free for pretty much the past couple of seasons, Hoffman could become the ideal shutdown reliever for the Jays’ back end of the bullpen. Moreover, he can even end up taking over the closer’s role if need be, depending on how the Romano situation pans out.