Yankees Set Sights on Stealing Phillies’ Star Reliever Jeff Hoffman in Free Agency

The New York Yankees have a laundry list of offseason priorities that could shape their quest for a World Series return in 2025. Among their top goals: re-signing Juan Soto, securing a first baseman, filling a second baseman spot, adding a starting pitcher, and — perhaps most urgently — rebuilding a bullpen that is suddenly looking much thinner after several key departures. If they can address these areas with impactful signings, the Yankees could be positioned for a deep postseason run next year.

Bullpen Needs Immediate Attention

As the offseason progresses, one of the most pressing concerns for the Yankees is rebuilding their bullpen. The team has already lost three integral relievers to free agency in Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill. To make matters more complicated, the Yankees also non-tendered left-handed reliever Tim Mayza on Friday night, marking another significant hole in their bullpen. Additionally, there’s uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Loaisiga’s future with the team, further depleting their relief options.

With several key arms leaving the roster, the Yankees will need to get creative in their approach to restocking their bullpen. Whether through role changes, trades, promotions, or free-agent signings, finding a reliable, swing-and-miss arm will be crucial if the Yankees are to contend with powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the emerging competition in the American League.

Jeff Hoffman: A Perfect Bullpen Addition

One potential solution the Yankees could explore is former Philadelphia Phillies standout Jeff Hoffman. Once a highly touted starting prospect with the Colorado Rockies, Hoffman struggled to find his footing as a starter for much of his career. However, a change of role has helped him unlock his true potential, making him a prime candidate to fill a key bullpen spot in New York.

After being converted to a reliever in Cincinnati in 2022, Hoffman found his stride, and over the past two seasons in Philadelphia, he became one of the most effective late-inning relievers in the league. The Yankees have long been in search of a high-leverage arm that can generate strikeouts, and Hoffman fits the bill perfectly.

The Reclamation Project: Hoffman’s Success in Philadelphia

Hoffman’s transformation from a mediocre starter to a dominant reliever is a narrative that the Yankees are all too familiar with. Over the past season, Hoffman’s stuff took a noticeable leap forward. His fastball velocity increased, and his slider became a dominant weapon in his arsenal. The results speak for themselves: he posted a 2.17 ERA and recorded 89 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched for the Phillies in 2024.

Hoffman’s success is a product of refining his approach, concentrating on shorter, more explosive outings as a reliever, and maximizing his stuff. His Statcast profile is filled with red, an indicator of his elite-level velocity and movement. For the Yankees, who need to add more swing-and-miss stuff to their bullpen, Hoffman could provide the high-quality arm they so desperately need.

A Financial Fit for the Yankees

At 31 years old, Hoffman enters free agency with a lot of momentum. He’s shown that he can be a force in high-leverage situations, and with the Yankees needing a bullpen overhaul, he represents an ideal reclamation project. The Yankees have the financial flexibility to make a significant move here, especially after clearing salary space by non-tendering veterans. With money to spend and a clear need for a power arm, Hoffman could be a perfect fit in the Bronx.

What Hoffman Could Bring to the Yankees

If Hoffman joins the Yankees, he could provide them with exactly what they’ve been lacking: a proven, dominant bullpen arm capable of getting big strikeouts when it matters most. With Hoffman’s slider and newfound fastball velocity, he could be a vital piece for manager Aaron Boone in the later innings. Whether setting up for closer Clay Holmes or closing games himself, Hoffman’s ability to limit damage and punch out batters would make the Yankees’ bullpen significantly stronger.

Conclusion

As the Yankees look to fix the holes in their roster this offseason, adding a swing-and-miss reliever should be at the top of their list. Jeff Hoffman’s story of redemption could be the ideal narrative for the Yankees’ bullpen in 2025. His dominant performance with the Phillies, combined with his high-velocity stuff and strikeout potential, makes him an intriguing free-agent target. With the right contract, Hoffman could help shore up the bullpen and give the Yankees another weapon in their bid to return to the World Series.