Jeff Hoffman Failed Orioles’ Physical Before Signing $33 Million Contract With AL East Rival: Report
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The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly signed All-Star pitcher Jeff Hoffman on Friday only after he agreed to a $40 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles and failed their physical, according to a new report.
Robert Murray of FanSided reported Friday that Hoffman “only days earlier” appeared to have a contract in place with the Baltimore Orioles.
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Although rare, free agents sometimes fail one team’s physical examination but not another’s. In the case of Hoffman, Murray reports Baltimore “flagged Hoffman’s physical — two sources say it was his right shoulder — and ultimately signed right-hander Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million contract.”
Friday, the Jays announced they signed Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million contract that has the potential to grow to $39 million with incentives.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 15: (L-R) Jeff Hoffman #23,Alec Bohm #28,Bryce Harper #3,Matt Strahm #25 of Philadelphia Phillies take the field during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in… ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 15: (L-R) Jeff Hoffman #23,Alec Bohm #28,Bryce Harper #3,Matt Strahm #25 of Philadelphia Phillies take the field during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Hoffman failed the Orioles’ physical before signing with Toronto, according to a report.
Gene Wang/Getty Images
Over the last three seasons, Hoffman has gone 10-5 with a 2.70 ERA in 157 innings for the Reds and Phillies, striking out 203 batters while walking only 58 in 163.1 innings.
Even if his $6 million in incentives aren’t unlocked, Hoffman’s contract represents the largest financial commitment the Blue Jays have made to a relief pitcher in 10 seasons with Atkins as GM, according to SportsNet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
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But it’s a step down from the $40 million Baltimore was willing to guarantee Hoffman over the next three years, according to Murray. Immediately, after failing the physical, Murray wrote, “Hoffman and his agents at CAA accelerated talks with the Blue Jays, who had shown interest in the free-agent pitcher all offseason.”
The Blue Jays originally took Hoffman with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft, but traded him to Colorado in the 2015 deal that sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto. Hoffman was 10-16 with a 6.40 ERA in 68 games (38 starts) with the Rockies from 2016-20.
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In April 2024, Hoffman threw batting practice to Phillies star Bryce Harper, who was working back from offseason Tommy John surgery on his elbow. Harper was reportedly so impressed by Hoffman’s repertoire, he recommended the veteran for a high-leverage relief role in the Phillies’ bullpen.
Hoffman finished last season with a 2.17 ERA and an 89-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 66.1 innings. He also recorded 10 saves for the Phillies.
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Although some teams viewed Hoffman as a potential starting rotation addition in free agency, the Blue Jays like him as a reliever.
“We are excited to add Jeff to our bullpen,” Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement. “His arsenal, strike-throwing and ability to miss bats against all types of hitters is elite and will undoubtedly make us better. Jeff will get an opportunity to close games for us this season. His track record, competitiveness and experience make him a great complement to this group. We look forward to welcoming him, his wife Marissa, and their children Tytan, Houston, Jetsyn and Lennyn to Toronto.”
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