Jeff Hoffman Signs a 3-Year, $33 Million Deal with Blue Jays

The Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays have swapped bullpen arms.

The Phillies signed former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romero to a one-year, $8.5 million contract back on Dec 9. On Friday, the Blue Jays have added Jeff Hoffman, but it might not be to close games, but to start games.

Get our free mobile app

Hoffman gets a 3-year, $33 million deal with Toronto with the anticipation that he will join the Blue Jays starting rotation.

The Phillies didn't really have room for another starting pitcher after adding Jesus Luzardo in a trade with the Marlins, opening the door for Hoffman to sign elsewhere.

He has started in the past, with a 5.64 career ERA in 237.2 innings as a starter with Colorado and Cincinnati. As a reliever, Hoffman has excelled, with a 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 11 saves and 32 holds in 118.2 innings out of the bullpen.

With Hoffman out of the picture, the Phillies could turn their attention to bringing back Carlos Estevez, who they added in a trade with Anaheim in 2024. Estevez, 32, had a 2.45 ERA with 26 saves in over 55 innings with the Phillies and Angels last year.

According to MLB Insider Héctor Gómez, the Phillies are among the teams that have an interest in Estevez.