Two Teams Backed Out Of Deal With All-Star Pitcher For Concerning Reason
Jeff Hoffman’s free agency journey took some concerning twists this offseason as medical concerns derailed deals with two teams before he landed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Baltimore Orioles were the first to back out, pulling the plug on a three-year, $40 million agreement after their medical evaluation flagged an issue with Hoffman’s right shoulder.
They quickly pivoted to sign Andrew Kittredge on a more modest one-year, $10 million deal. Shortly after, Hoffman entered advanced talks with the Atlanta Braves, but their medical staff raised similar concerns, leading to another deal falling through.
This raised questions about Hoffman’s long-term durability, despite his All-Star performance and a stellar run with the Phillies.
“The Orioles, however, flagged Hoffman’s physical — two sources say it was his right shoulder” - @ByRobertMurray https://t.co/KU3GA1HQ3F
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) January 11, 2025
The Blue Jays, undeterred by the red flags, stepped in and secured Hoffman on a three-year, $33 million contract with incentives that could push the total to $39 million.
General Manager Ross Atkins expressed confidence in Hoffman’s ability to make an immediate impact. “We are excited to add Jeff to our bullpen,” Atkins said. “His arsenal, strike-throwing, and ability to miss bats against all types of hitters is elite and will undoubtedly make us better.”
Hoffman is set to take over as Toronto’s closer, replacing Jordan Romano, who signed with the Phillies. The move also addresses a critical need for the Blue Jays after their bullpen posted a disappointing 4.82 ERA last season.
Add to that #Orioles withdrawing $40M offer amid reports of Jeff Hoffman’s physical revealing damage in his pitching shoulder & #BlueJays taking a big risk. 😬
— Rob Sinclair (@iamrobsinclair) January 11, 2025
(@MLB) pic.twitter.com/Yd0WDOMXmM
Hoffman arrives in Toronto following the best stretch of his career.
Over the past two seasons with Philadelphia, he recorded a 2.28 ERA, striking out 158 batters over 118.2 innings.
While Toronto’s medical staff cleared him to play, the shadow of his shoulder concerns lingers.
The Blue Jays are banking on Hoffman’s recent dominance to outweigh the risks, but should injuries arise, the decision to move forward where others hesitated will undoubtedly come under scrutiny.
Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images