On April 22nd, the Toronto Blue Jays shout out a three-year, $33 million deal for Jeff Hoffman before the 2025 season, banking on him as their new, closer. He delivered 33 saves and 71 appearances, but his 4.37 ERA marked his roughest year since a 4.56 back in 2021. Coming off an all-star nod with the Phillies in 2024, Hoffman posted a sharp 2.17 ERA in 68 outings mostly, setting up saves. Toronto flipped him straight into the ninth inning roll, and while the saves piled up, the runs allowed drag down the bullpen.
Manager John Schneider admits Hoffman's grinding through a tough stretch and plans to chat it out for a full reevaluation. That shaky performance has folks wondering if the Jays stick or switch, especially with the season heating up. Internally, Tyler Rogers shines with a 0.73 ERA over 12 games in a solid career, 2.70 mark. Free-age in Michael Copich, just 29, brings heat in the 92nd percentile with a 2.45 ERA for the Dodgers this year.
Or they could chase a trade for St. Louis's JoJo Romero, who's at 2.25 ERA in 11 outings. As the Jays crunch these moves, Hoffman's fate hangs in the balance, but a fresh arm could lock down those late innings where a playoff push. From around the league, powered by AI, this is MLB News Today.