The Philadelphia Phillies have spent the money they wanted to this offseason. This offseason has been high spending across the league, with much of that being allocated to the National League. The Philadelphia-based club now has to make a decision to either sit idly by and bank on the roster they have already or continue to meaningfully add.
The Phillies' biggest issue from their shortened 2024 postseason run was the offense falling asleep until the sixth inning of every game, but the bullpen was right behind. Phillies relievers racked up an astonishing 11.37 ERA in the NLDS. It was unlike the Phillies bullpen to implode the way they did, but the focus has to shift to 2025. The difference is that now Jeff Hoffman is a free agent.
MLB insider predicts Jeff Hoffman will sign with division rival even though a reunion with the Phillies is his best move
The Phillies need another back-of-the-bullpen piece to shut down ball games, and a reunion with Hoffman would be the perfect fit after losing him and Carlos Estévez to free agency. The problem is, he is looking to start for his future club. As The Athletic's Jim Bowden says in his latest free agent prediction piece (subscription required), "A return to Philly would probably be best for Hoffman, but he would not get a chance to start with them."
Hoffman is seeking a deal similar to what Clay Holmes received from the New York Mets. That deal was $38 million over three years. He is feeling out the possibility of signing as a starter, which Hoffman has earned.
According to Bowden, there are multiple teams that could be a potential fit for Hoffman. He would fit seamlessly back into the Phillies bullpen, but the Braves, Red Sox, Rays, Royals, Tigers, Astros and Nationals are seen as landing spots for him as a starter. The Phillies could be left out of the Hoffman sweepstakes as Bowden predicts he will sign with the Nationals when all is said and done.
Hoffman is as reliable as they come, with his flexibility to come in early to games for early high-leverage situations. Hoffman did admit late last season that he loves it in Philadelphia and that he doesn't want to see himself anywhere else, according to OnPattison's Tim Kelly.
Jeff Hoffman: Painting the Phils out of the seventh. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zKp2tnHums
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 15, 2024
Hoffman is a nine-year veteran but had a career resurgence with the Phillies. The 2024 season was kind to Hoffman as he posted a career-best 2.17 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings pitched. His split role as a setup man and closer was good enough to earn his first career All-Star appearance and possibly fetch himself a nice payday.
Hoffman feels at home with the club, but things have changed now. That season has come and gone, and Hoffman has the ultimate freedom to sign anywhere he chooses. The trade for Jesús Luzardo puts the nail in the coffin of bringing Hoffman aboard as a starter and might lead him to Washington, as Bowden predicts. Philadelphia makes sense since he wants to stay here, but at this point, it's unlikely the Phillies will spend to get him back, especially as a starter.