5 teams that could pursue Jeff Hoffman at the 2026 trade deadline

It’s unclear yet whether the Toronto Blue Jays will be buyers or sellers at the 2026 trade deadline, but Jeff Hoffman is someone they could shop if it's the latter. Hoffman’s time in Toronto has been a rollercoaster since inking a three-year, $33-million contract ahead of the 2025 season. He’s had moments of greatness, allowed plenty of home runs, and blown Game 7 of the World Series. It’s been quite the ride. 

He has a 4.35 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 42 appearances in 2026. Things are better under the hood as he ranks in the 98th percentile or better in both chase and whiff rate as well as strikeout percentage with an xERA of just 3.01.

Here are five teams in need of bullpen help that could take a chance on Hoffman if they believe in his underlying metrics.

Which teams are a good fit if the Blue Jays trade Hoffman?

1. Philadelphia Phillies

A reunion between Hoffman and the Phillies makes a lot of sense. He was an All-Star with them in 2024; they know how good he can be. They've turned their season around despite entering Thursday with the 10th-worst ERA from their relievers. 

The $12.67 million Hoffman is owed next season is likely to be the biggest barrier for most teams, but that shouldn’t be the case for the high-spending Phillies. They could probably acquire him for next to nothing prospect-wise if they take on most of his salary. 

2. Houston Astros

The Astros have clawed back into playoff contention after a disastrous start to the season on the strength of their lineup. Their core of MVP-favourite Yordan Alvarez, Isaac Paredes, and Jeremy Peña is good enough to win in the postseason. 

Where Houston has a problem is on the pitching side. Improving their rotation is likely to be the top priority if the front office decides to buy, but bolstering their bullpen behind closer Josh Hader would also be a wise choice. Money could be the sticking point here, however, as the Astros have been reluctant to go into the luxury tax.

3. Chicago White Sox

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from the perennially-contending Phillies are the upstart White Sox. They have a legitimate shot at winning the terrible American League Central division if they bolster their pitching staff. 

Hoffman would probably be an improvement over current closer Seranthony Domínguez, his former Blue Jay teammate. The White Sox should also have room to add money given they are currently running a bottom-five payroll. 

4. Chicago Cubs

Few teams have gone through as many ups and downs in 2026 as the Cubs. They’ve looked like a bona fide World Series contender at times, only to look like a last-place team at others. They should nonetheless be active shoppers at the deadline. 

Chicago has fielded one of the most underwhelming bullpens in all of MLB this year. They lack proven arms outside of hard-throwing closer Daniel Palencia, who is currently on the injured list for the second time this season. Hoffman would genuinely help them. 

5. Washington Nationals

The Nationals, like the White Sox, have been shockingly competitive after beginning the season with zero expectations. Their offence has been among baseball’s best in every category—it’s their dreadful pitching that is holding them back right now. 

Washington entered Thursday with the third-worst bullpen ERA (5.04) in the whole league and the fourth-lowest payroll. Acquiring an established reliever like Hoffman would be a low-stakes way for the front office to improve its young squad this year without financially hamstringing itself when it comes time to pay James Wood and CJ Abrams.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow