The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly looking to re-sign Jeff Hoffman, and it seems that the front office wants to keep the right-handed reliever in his familiar bullpen role. Hoffman has transformed into one of the most reliable arms in Philadelphia’s high-leverage situations over the past two seasons, and his return would add further stability to a bullpen that helped propel the team to a playoff berth.
After struggling as a starter earlier in his career, Hoffman made the move to the bullpen in 2021 with the Cincinnati Reds. The transition paid off almost immediately, as his performance improved significantly. His effectiveness has only escalated since, culminating in a stellar 2023-24 season with the Phillies. Hoffman posted a 2.28 ERA over 118 2/3 regular-season innings, along with a strong 33.4% strikeout rate and a manageable 7.4% walk rate. Despite some struggles in the 2024 postseason, notably a pair of meltdowns against the Mets in the NLDS, Hoffman’s resurgence as a dominant reliever has not gone unnoticed.
Though Hoffman has flourished as a reliever, there are teams that are reportedly interested in giving him a shot as a starter. His years of experience and the success he’s had in the bullpen have sparked some interest from clubs looking for another rotation option. One of the most recent examples of teams moving high-performing relievers into starting roles is Clay Holmes, who signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets with plans to use him in their rotation, despite Holmes not having started a game since 2018.
The allure of a starting role, and the higher potential salary it brings, could lead Hoffman to consider that option. MLB Trade Rumors previously projected Hoffman to land a four-year, $44 million contract, assuming he remains in the bullpen. But with the success of relievers transitioning into starting roles and the potential for a bigger payday, Hoffman could decide to test his value as a starter, especially with teams willing to offer him more years and money.
Still, Hoffman may not want to leave the comfort of a city and team where he’s found sustained success. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned the team’s interest in bringing back either Hoffman or Carlos Estevez, though it’s unlikely both will return due to financial constraints. Dombrowski’s comments suggest the Phillies might prioritize just one of the two, given the sizable contracts both relievers will likely command. If Hoffman leans toward testing the starting market, the Phillies could turn their attention to Estevez, who remains unsigned and has also drawn interest from other teams, including the New York Yankees.
While Hoffman could land a more lucrative deal as a starter, his preference for staying in a familiar bullpen role with a contender like the Phillies might ultimately sway his decision. The team has given him the chance to thrive, and as he enters his age-32 season, Hoffman may choose to remain in a place where he has found success, rather than chase a bigger paycheck by taking on a new and unfamiliar challenge as a starter.
The Phillies have a lot to consider this offseason, particularly with a bullpen that needs strengthening. If they choose to bring Hoffman back, it will likely be as a trusted reliever who can continue to shut down opposing offenses in high-pressure situations. However, with the growing possibility of Hoffman testing the waters as a starting pitcher, the Phillies’ ability to retain him will be a key story in their offseason plans.
