Dombrowski Reveals Phillies’ Failed Pursuit of Jeff Hoffman as Bullpen Woes Deepen
The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has been a major headache for the team in the opening month of the season, leaving fans scratching their heads over the decision not to retain All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman. Hoffman, who has been dominant for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Jays, while the Phillies have struggled with a lackluster relief corps.
As of late April, the Phillies’ bullpen ranks among the worst in MLB, sitting 25th in WHIP (1.53), 29th in ERA (5.56), and last in batting average allowed at .283. The unit has already blown seven saves, the most in the league. In an effort to shore up the bullpen, the Phillies signed Jordan Romano, a former All-Star closer, who was non-tendered by the Blue Jays after an injury-plagued 2024 season. However, Romano’s acquisition has been nothing short of disastrous. In 10 appearances, he carries a troubling 13.50 ERA, giving up 13 earned runs in just 8⅔ innings.
Meanwhile, Hoffman has been thriving with Toronto. Through 10 games, he’s posted a stellar 1.59 ERA, striking out 16 batters in 11⅓ innings, and collecting five saves. His performance has only amplified the questions surrounding the Phillies’ decision to let him go.
In a candid conversation with reporters before a loss to the New York Mets, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski addressed the failed pursuit of Hoffman. Dombrowski explained that the team made a very aggressive effort to re-sign the reliever but ultimately came up short due to financial differences.
“We tried to sign Hoffman very aggressively,” Dombrowski said. “They turned down our offer. At the time, he was still looking for more dollars, and then we had to make a decision on Romano or somebody else. We just didn’t feel that we were going to match the dollars that he was looking to get.”
Dombrowski also revealed that the difference between the Phillies’ offer and Hoffman’s eventual deal with the Blue Jays wasn’t substantial, but Hoffman’s camp was seeking a more lucrative contract at the time.
With Hoffman excelling in Toronto and the Phillies bullpen struggling to find consistency, the question on every fan’s mind remains: Did Philadelphia make a costly mistake in letting Hoffman walk?