As the Major League Baseball offseason grinds through January, Philadelphia Phillies fans are still waiting to see where some former Phillies might land. With starter Spencer Turnbull and relievers Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman still on the free agent market, it's anyone's guess what uniform each will be wearing when the 2025 season gets underway.
However, after a report on Friday afternoon from MLB insider Jon Morosi, we might have a better idea of where Hoffman will end up signing. According to Morosi's sources, the right-hander has had "productive dialogue in recent days on a potential multiyear deal" with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Free agent Jeff Hoffman and the Blue Jays have had productive dialogue in recent days on a potential multiyear deal, sources say. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 10, 2025
Former Phillie Jeff Hoffman could sign as a reliever or starter with 'natural rival' Blue Jays
How close the two sides are is unknown, but it sounds like there's something brewing north of the border. The AL East-dwelling Blue Jays are considered the Phillies' "natural rival" by MLB, a holdover from the hotly contested 1993 World Series, and the two teams face off for two series every season in interleague play. The two teams also "shared" the late Roy Halladay in the 2000s.
Phillies fans have been holding out hope of a reunion with Hoffman. The freshly-turned 32-year-old resurrected his career in the Phillies bullpen over the last two seasons and seemed built to play in the Philadelphia sports landscape. Unfortunately, with the team's payroll constraints and Hoffman's reported asking price, a return to the Phillies always felt unlikely.
There have been reports that the fan-favorite could move into a starting role with a new team, something the Phillies certainly can't and won't offer, especially after trading for Jesús Luzardo. Hoffman is reportedly looking for a three-year deal in the $38 million range, similar to what former New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes got from the New York Mets to move into their starting rotation.
Hoffman, who was originally a Blue Jays draft pick in 2014, posted a 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 33.4 percent strikeout rate in 188 2/3 innings over his two seasons in red pinstripes, earning his first career All-Star nod in 2024. He picked up 10 saves and 21 holds for the Phillies last year.
The Blue Jays make sense as a fit for Hoffman, who could join them as a reliever or a starter. Toronto desperately needs bullpen arms but is also in the market for a fifth starter and has made it known they wouldn't mind moving Yariel Rodríguez to the bullpen.