This Blue Jays Closer has been Unlucky this year

During the 2024 offseason, reliever Jeff Hoffman was under immense controversy throughout the offseason as a free agent. After coming off a career year with the Phillies, where he posted a 2.17 ERA in 68 games while being one of the key pieces to their bullpen. He reportedly agreed to two deals with the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves and simultaneously failed both physicals. He signed a 3-year, $33 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays to be their closer. Many were speculating how he would be able to hold up in terms of health and performance throughout the contract.

Photo Courtesy of Sportsnet

So far he's been completely healthy; however, despite that, his surface results have been mediocre at best. He's allowed 10 home runs on the season, which ties him for the 4th most given up by a relief pitcher. Hoffman has a 4.15 ERA on the season, which isn't good on the surface, but his underlying numbers tell a different story. He has a 12.63 K/9, which is amongst the best in the league, along with the best chase % in the MLB at 38.3. Along with that, he has a 3.85 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) and an even lower 2.86 xFIP, which adjusts home runs to the average 10.5% on fly balls induced. His below-average ERA can be attributed to two appearances where he gave up 5 runs.

Hoffman has been shaky on the surface, but his underlying numbers suggest he's been unlucky this season. He will continue to be a big piece for a Blue Jays team that is expected to make the playoffs and make a long run.

• https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/jeff-hoffman-656546?stats=gamelogs-r-pitching-mlb&season=2025

• https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jeff-hoffman/17432/stats?position=P

• https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/most-home-runs-allowed-by-a-relief-pitcher

• https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hoffmje02.shtml