It will be difficult to explain to Phillies fans how the team couldn’t afford the deal Jeff Hoffman received from the Blue Jays.
When the Philadelphia Phillies signed former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano to a one-year contract in early December, it seemed like Jeff Hoffman’s return to the Phillies was unlikely. As one of the top free-agent relievers of the offseason, Hoffman was expected to receive a salary beyond what the Phillies could manage.
However, when the terms of Hoffman’s deal with Toronto were revealed, Phillies fans were bound to be upset. The final contract came in at just $11 million annually over three years, only $2.5 million more than what the Phillies paid Romano to join their bullpen for 2025.
Some might argue Hoffman secured a longer commitment with the Jays, but it will be tough for fans to understand why the Phillies couldn’t stretch to offer Hoffman just two more years at an affordable price for one of the best relievers in the game. Hoffman had grown significantly with the Phillies during their contending years, and they could trust him to deliver reliably every game.
For context, Hoffman posted his best MLB season in 2024, setting career highs in appearances (68), saves (10), ERA (2.17), ERA+ (188), FIP (2.52), strikeouts (89), walk rate (6 percent), and strikeout rate (33.6 percent). In contrast, Romano struggled in 2024, posting a 6.59 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 15 appearances, while dealing with elbow issues that sidelined him for much of the season.
Some had speculated Hoffman might have been seeking a chance to return to starting, but Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins clarified Hoffman would join their bullpen and could even become their closer.
Though each team signed their target, it feels as though the Phillies and Blue Jays swapped top relievers. The Phillies are undoubtedly weaker without Hoffman, while the Blue Jays have strengthened their bullpen considerably.
With Hoffman being one of the top free agents this offseason and Romano hoping for a bounce-back year, the Blue Jays seem to have won the “indirect” player swap. As Toronto celebrates, the Phillies will be hoping Romano can help fill the gap, or they may face a tough season ahead.
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