Jeff Hoffman delivers pointed message to Orioles at Blue Jays intro presser

There's no love lost between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles. The two AL East foes may not have the same bad blood that exists between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, but at the end of the day, there are no friends in that division.

But the newest member of the Blue Jays organization might have some extra motivation when he takes the hill against the Orioles in 2025. Jeff Hoffman didn't even let the ink dry on his three-year, $33 million deal before he called out the O's.

Jeff Hoffman points finger at Orioles during Blue Jays intro presser

Hoffman was introduced during a press conference on Wednesday, and the newest Jays' pitcher had a very pointed message for the Orioles. When asked if he'd have a little extra motivation when the Jays square off with the Orioles in 2025, Hoffman said, “Yes. We can add them to the list.”

For those who are unaware, before joining the Jays, Hoffman was set to sign a three-year, $40 million deal with the Orioles. However, because of a medical concern discovered during Hoffman's physical, the deal was quickly pulled off the table. It was later reported that the Atlanta Braves had similar worries.

It's come to light in recent days that the medical concern, which involves Hoffman's right shoulder, is nothing major. The Blue Jays medical staff was obviously comfortable with the issue, otherwise Toronto never would have signed Hoffman in the first place.

But both the deal with the O's and the Braves was said to be worth more than what Hoffman signed for in Toronto. Based on his comments, it would seem that Hoffman believes Baltimore was responsible for subtracting some zeroes from his paycheck. That'll surely motivate him.

The Jays need a healthy version of Hoffman on the mound who produces at the same level he did the past two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Since 2023, Hoffman has appeared in 122 games with a sparkling 2.28 ERA, 2.54 FIP, and a 33.4% strikeout rate. It just so happens that the Orioles make a visit to Toronto on Opening Day this season. Game 1 of the 2025 season can't get here fast enough; both for Blue Jays' fans and Hoffman.

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