Phillies’ offseason mistake plays key role in Blue Jays forcing Game 7 in ALCS

After a heartbreaking end to their season on a bullpen blunder, the Philadelphia Phillies added to their season-long suffering without seeing another pitch. Former standout reliever Jeff Hoffman's heroics were on full display for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 6 of the ALCS, a performance that was sorely missed by fans all season long.

While the Blue Jays held a four-run lead in their contest against the Seattle Mariners, their lead needed a sturdy defense. Enter Hoffman, who proceeded to hurl two dominant innings, completely stifling Seattle's offense. Hoffman struck out four of the six outs needed, only allowing one baserunner, a two-out walk to J.P. Crawford in the ninth.

Phillies fans can only watch as Jeff Hoffman propels Blue Jays to Game 7

After losing their first two contests at home, the Jays were understandably desperate for some momentum; even heading into tonight, they'd managed to turn much of the tide in their favor. Their 6-2 Game 6 victory, backed by Hoffman's brilliant performance, will be a pivotal shift once again heading into the clinching Game 7 contest.

“That may have been the best I’ve seen him,” Hoffman's teammate and fellow reliever Louis Varland said postgame, per Sportsnet's David Singh. “He really stepped up when the team needed him and got it done.”

For Phillies fans, it's a harsh reminder of what could have been.

This season has been a long bout of wrenching woes for Philadelphia, none so much nor so consistent as the bullpen's performance. Watching Hoffman succeed with another team is incredibly disheartening, especially considering there was ample opportunity to re-sign him. Yes, he struggled at times as Toronto's closer this season, but the trials this bullpen endured would've been dampened had the Phillies retained Hoffman.

Hoffman spent two years with the Phillies, from 2023 to 2024, where he became a stalwart middle-relief option. In over 120 combined outings, he worked his way to a 2.28 ERA — sixth best among qualified relievers — and nearly 4.0 bWAR.

Despite his success during the regular season, his postseason performances with the team were anything but reliable. In 11 outings, his 8.64 ERA and 4.20 FIP are far cries from what one would call "beneficial."

Phillies should have regrets after missing out on Jeff Hoffman in offseason

The clear playoff struggles didn't stop the Phillies from making a reportedly "aggressive" push for Hoffman in free agency. Nor should they have; reliable arms are hard to come by, as fans learned the hard way this season.

Between José Alvarado's late-season return from an 80-game PED suspension to Jordan Romano, the supposed alternate Dombrowski aimed for, having a nightmarish season, Hoffman would've been a great bolster to a needy department.

A flagged physical caused Hoffman to delay signing with several teams before finally inking a deal with the Blue Jays. After a rocky regular season, putting up a 4.37 ERA and a 4.90 FIP while saving 33 games, he managed to toss one of the best relief performances this postseason.

It was a mistake to let Hoffman walk, and now, late into October, the Phillies and their fans have to sit and watch their blunder thrive.