Blue Jays end offseason with same burning Jeff Hoffman question they started it with

"Through his first 14 games of the season, he pitched 16.1 innings, allowed just two earned runs, while striking out 23 hitters and walking only three (one intentionally). He racked up seven saves, and went 3-0 while the team was 11-3 in games he pitched in. But over his next 11 games he allowed 15 earned runs, in nine innings, giving up five home runs in the process."

"He'd have stretches where he was untouchable, and other times he couldn't keep the ball in the ball park, allowing a league high (for a reliever) 15 home runs, just one of the MLB high - Washington's Jackson Rutledge allowed 16."

"In the playoffs he was virtually lights out, and the only home run he allowed in the entire postseason was the one in Game 7 of the World Series that Miguel Rojas of the Dodgers hit to tie the game with one out in the ninth inning."

Jeff Hoffman remains the Toronto Blue Jays' closer for 2026 despite an inconsistent 2025 season that prompted the team to seek upgrades during the offseason. Hoffman's performance was highly volatile throughout the year—he started strong with seven saves and a 3-0 record through his first 14 games, but subsequently struggled significantly. He allowed a league-leading 15 home runs as a reliever and had stretches of poor performance alternating with dominant pitching. His postseason was exceptional until Game 7 of the World Series, when he allowed a crucial home run to Miguel Rojas that tied the game. Despite these concerns, the Blue Jays' search for closer alternatives yielded no significant changes, leaving Hoffman as their in-house option moving forward.

Read at Jays Journal