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Blue Jays add All-Star reliever on three-year, $33 million deal

The Toronto Blue Jays came into the offseason hoping to build a contender for 2025 after finishing last in the American League East with a 74-88 record last season.

One of their biggest needs was pitching, particularly with the bullpen, as right-hander Jordan Romano departed to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Late on Friday, Toronto found their man, signing veteran right-hander Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million contract. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com provided the news on Twitter.

Hoffman spent last season with the Phillies. He appeared in 68 games and went 3-3 with a 2.17 ERA. The 32-year-old also recorded 10 saves and served as a perfect complement to Carlos Estevez after he was acquired.

Now, he heads to the Blue Jays and will likely be used as the team’s closer for the next three seasons. In fact, Hoffman was drafted by the Blue Jays with the ninth pick back in 2014, so he is returning to familiar territory.

The former All-Star began his career as a starter with the Colorado Rockies and struggled. He joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2021, but it wasn’t until the following year that his potential in the bullpen was realized. 

He now is one of the top relievers in the league and should give the Blue Jays a much-needed boost at the back end of their bullpen.

We’ll see what Toronto has in store next. They have been linked to third baseman Alex Bregman at various points this offseason, and signing a strong closer like Hoffman could help their cause as they remain in the sweepstakes for the two-time World Series champion.

More MLB: Blue Jays predicted to trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in ‘spring training blockbuster’

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