Blue Jays sign RH Jeff Hoffman

Expected to be Jays closer at 3 years/$33-million

The Blue Jays have signed RHP Jeff Hoffman to a 3yr/$33M deal returning to the team that drafted him 9th overall in the first round of the 2014 draft. Both FA signings Hoffman and Yimi Garcia 2/$15, this winter, improve the back end of a bad bullpen that MGR John Schneider estimated cost them 10 wins in ‘24.

Despite off-season reports that Hoffman was looking to convert to a starting role, the quote from Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins included in the club’s release makes it clear that he is expected to be the 9th inning closer. Setting up will be Yimi Garcia, Chad Green, Erik Swanson, Nick Sandlin and LH Brendon Little.

Hoffman, a native of Latham, NY, in the Albany area, was traded to Colorado Rockies in the deadline deal that brought the Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki in 2015.

The Jays roster now includes 18 players under contract, for $196.3-million. Last season’s opening day payroll was $225.3M.