When the Philadelphia Phillies signed former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano to a one-year deal in early December, everyone sure felt that the writing was on the wall for Jeff Hoffman’s potential return to the Phillies. Especially as one of the top free agent relievers available this offseason, Hoffman was bound to get paid, perhaps an amount that most expected would be outside the range that Philadelphia could afford.
However, when the final numbers came out on Hoffman’s deal with the Jays, Phillies fans no doubt will be livid with the details. It turns out that his annual AAV with Toronto will be just $11 million for the next three seasons. Yes, that’s right, just a measly $2.5 million more than what the Phillies gave to Romano to become a part of their bullpen for 2025.
Jeff Hoffman’s deal with Blue Jays will make Phillies fans livid
Some could argue that with the Jays, Hoffman is getting three years worth of security with the deal, compared to just the one that Romano received. But it will be hard for fans to hear that the Phillies couldn’t afford another two additional years at just $11 million for one of the top relievers in the game. Especially for one who has evolved and grown extensively with the team in their current contending window and one who they can confidently throw out every game knowing that he will get the job done.
Just for comparison’s sake, Hoffman is coming off his best ever MLB season in 2024, posting career bests 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). More importantly, he has shown to be quite durable throughout his career and hasn’t had any ailments since 2022. As for Romano, 2024 was his worst performing year since his debut in 2019, compiling a 6.59 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 15 relief appearances. On top of that, he was plagued by elbow issues that knocked him out for most of last season as a result.
For those who thought maybe Hoffman was looking for a contract that would enable him to be a starter once again, which the Phillies couldn’t offer, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins made it clear that he will be a huge addition to their bullpen, and perhaps as their potential closer.
Despite each team signing their target individually, it’s really hard not to feel that the Phillies and Blue Jays practically traded top relievers with each other. However, there’s no question that Philadelphia is definitely weaker now without Hoffman as part of their relief corps anymore, whereas the Jays have suddenly gotten a huge boost to theirs.
With Hoffman being one of the top free agents this winter and Romano just looking for a bounce back season, the Blue Jays appear to be the hands-down winner in the “indirect”swap of players. So as Blue Jays fans rejoice, the Phillies better hope that Romano will make up for some of that firepower in their relief corps. Otherwise, the Phillies could be in for a long season ahead.