The Toronto Blue Jays and All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman have agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract.
The team announced the deal on Friday evening, two days after Hoffman celebrated his 32nd birthday.
Last season, Hoffman posted a 3-3 record, a 2.17 ERA, and 10 saves for the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies. He earned his first All-Star selection in July and set personal bests in ERA, saves, and appearances (68).
The right-handed pitcher struck out 89 and walked 16 over 66 1/3 innings, holding opposing batters to a .197 average and finishing with a 0.96 WHIP before entering free agency.
“We’re thrilled to add Jeff to our bullpen. His pitching skills, ability to throw strikes, and ability to get hitters out in different situations is exceptional and will definitely improve our team,” said Toronto’s general manager Ross Atkins in a statement. “Jeff will have the chance to close games for us this season. His experience, competitiveness, and success make him a great fit for our bullpen.”
Hoffman was drafted by the Blue Jays as the ninth overall pick in the 2014 amateur draft out of East Carolina, but he never played for them. He was traded the following year to Colorado, as part of a deal that brought star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins to Toronto.
At 6-foot-5, Hoffman made his MLB debut with the Rockies in 2016. Throughout his nine seasons with Colorado, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia, he has a career record of 23-26 with a 4.82 ERA in 256 games, including 50 starts.
In the 2023 National League Championship Series against Arizona, Hoffman pitched six shutout innings across five appearances for the Phillies. However, he struggled in the playoffs against the New York Mets, posting a 1-2 record and allowing six runs in 1 1/3 innings across three outings in the Division Series.
Hoffman will receive a $5 million signing bonus from the Blue Jays, along with salaries of $6 million this year and $11 million in each of the next two seasons. He can also earn up to $2 million in annual performance bonuses for innings pitched: $500,000 for 60, 70, 80, and 90 innings.
In a related move, Toronto right-hander Brett de Geus was designated for assignment.
