Jeff Hoffman Signs Three-Year Deal with Blue Jays

Former Phillies All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays after failing a physical with the Baltimore Orioles, who had initially agreed to a $40 million deal. Hoffman's shoulder issues were a concern for the Orioles, leading them to pivot and sign Andrew Kittredge instead. The Blue Jays are banking on Hoffman's strong performance from 2024, where he posted a 2.28 ERA and 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox continue to seek reinforcement for their bullpen after adding notable pitchers Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson. The Orioles have also made moves to strengthen their pitching staff, notably signing Kittredge and claiming former top prospect Roansy Contreras off waivers. Hoffman’s situation illustrates the risks teams take with players who have a history of injuries, as free agents can sometimes pass medical scrutiny with one team but not another.