The defending American League champion Blue Jays currently sit in the cellar of the AL East. Several postseason heroes have seen their production fall off a cliff, most notably Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (95 wRC+) and George Springer (98 wRC+). Such regression has contributed to Toronto having the lowest-scoring offense in MLB, averaging just 3.9 runs per game. If the Blue Jays wish to launch themselves back into contention next season, they would be wise to take advantage of the sellers' market taking shape. Jeff Hoffman could be the most valuable trade chip up North, and there seems to be momentum building toward a reunion with a former team.
The Philadelphia Phillies are desperate for bullpen reinforcements. Free agent acquisition Brad Keller was diagnosed with a torn UCL last week, an injury that will end his season and sideline him for a significant portion of 2027. The Phillies signed Keller coming off a breakout year to help bridge the gap to Jhoan Duran. This devastating news opened up another hole on the Phillies roster: a solidified setup man.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently hinted that Philadelphia could look to reunite with a familiar face in the bullpen as a solution to the issue, writing, “[The Phillies] are in desperate need of a late-inning reliever, and would love to bring back Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays.”
The 5 MLB teams who will be most aggressive at 2026 trade deadline https://t.co/qoAV3F3z4V
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 24, 2026
Hoffman agreed to a minor-league contract with the Phillies in 2023. He struggled during his first month with the IronPigs, allowing seven earned runs across nine innings. On April 21 of that year, Hoffman was asked to throw live batting practice to Bryce Harper as the former MVP worked back from Tommy John surgery. This opportunity would change his life. Harper was impressed, and the Phillies selected and recalled Hoffman from Triple-A two weeks later.
Over two seasons in Philadelphia, Hoffman was one of the most productive relief pitchers in the sport. He ranked in the top 10 among all qualified relievers in ERA (2.28), FIP (2.54), SIERA (2.65), WHIP (0.94), strikeout percentage (33.4), batting average against (.178), and fWAR (3.6). In 2024, the former first-round pick received his first All-Star nod.
The Blue Jays inked Hoffman to a three-year deal the following offseason, but he hasn't performed up to expectations. On paper, he's pitched to an inflated ERA above four, but the underlying metrics continue to favor him. Faith in Hoffman as the Jays' closer was all but gone after he blew a crucial save in Game 7 of the World Series. Given Toronto's situation, a change of scenery could be on the horizon.
Mock trade suggests the Phillies send away a rookie outfielder to reunite with Jeff Hoffman
Striking a deal is easier said than done. The Phillies and Blue Jays have until August 3 to discuss potential trade frameworks before a decision has to be made. Mitch Bannon, a Blue Jays beat reporter for The Athletic, proposed a blockbuster trade that would send Jeff Hoffman back to Philadelphia.
It's a steep price - one the Phillies likely would've balked at back in March - but has Justin Crawford shown enough for the Phillies to turn it down? Through 93 games, Crawford is slashing .257/.304/.344 with 13 stolen bases. The concerns scouts held about his offensive approach and play in center field have contributed to a mildly disappointing rookie season. Philadelphia isn't in a rush to shop Crawford, who possesses five more years of team control, but the front office should listen before hanging up the phone.
Daulton Varsho wouldn't address the Phillies' need for a right-handed bat, but his value far exceeds his production at the plate. Varsho has consistently graded out as a plus baserunner and elite defender throughout his career, winning a Gold Glove in 2024. Despite having a down year against right-handed pitching (.664 OPS), he has three 20-home run seasons under his belt. Varsho would be an ideal platoon partner for Derek Hill in center field, but it's unclear whether the Phillies would view his impending free agency as a positive or negative in trade negotiations.
The Phillies would be betting that a return to Philadelphia would help Hoffman rediscover his All-Star form. If you look past his run prevention (or lack thereof), Hoffman continues to boast elite strikeout, whiff, and chase rates, which are more predictive of future success than ERA. The underlying numbers are beginning to translate, as Hoffman has posted a 1.15 ERA over his past 16 relief appearances. Immediately upon his arrival, he would slot in second in the Phillies' bullpen hierarchy.
It would be unwise for the Phillies to gut their farm system to acquire Mason Miller or any other top-of-the-market bullpen arm. Relievers don't come cheap, but Philadelphia should first scour the bargain bin. In any trade, Toronto would surely have to cover some of Hoffman's remaining salary owed over the next two seasons. Justin Crawford is a steep price to pay, but how much longer are the Phillies willing to hold onto their sputtering prospects? This 2-for-1 proposal might be worth Dave Dombrowski's consideration.
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