Blue Jays' Top Catcher Teaches Philadelphia Phillies to Back Off in Tweet Clash

DETROIT, MI - JULY 25: A detailed view of a Toronto Blue Jays equipment bag sitting in the dugout prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 25, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 6-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays made some big changes to the roster following a dramatic World Series defeat last year, but one key area could look the same come Opening Day.

Even after bringing in several new high-profile pitchers, the Blue Jays seem likely to stick with Jeff Hoffman as their closer moving forward, despite the fact that he had an up-and-down season. “Over the winter, neither general manager Ross Atkins nor manager John Schneider gave full-throated support to Hoffman returning as the clear-cut closer,” Mike Wilner reported for the Toronto Star . “But pitching coach Pete Walker (said) that even though Hoffman might not get every save chance, the job is his: ‘We have a lot of guys who can do different things, but certainly Hoff is going to be the hammer at the end.

’” The Blue Jays did not bring in another clear-cut closer during their offseason of change, but the endorsement of Hoffman was still a bit of a surprise. MORE FROM FORBES Mets Superstar Juan Soto Denounces Team USA Win After Controversial WBC Call By Peter Chawaga Toronto Blue Jays Closer Jeff Hoffman Joins Team USA World Baseball Classic Roster After an All-Star final season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, he posted a harsh 4. 37 ERA in his debut with the Blue Jays and his campaign ended when he gave up the first-ever game-tying ninth-inning homer in World Series history to Los Angeles Dodgers’ utility player Miguel Rojas.

Following that disappointment, there are surely Blue Jays fans who would like to see Hoffman moved into a different role. But he is seen around baseball as a dependable high-leverage arm, which is why he was tapped to replace Clayton Kershaw on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster before their semifinal game. Hoffman joins superstar players like Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes as part of the roster, and he was reunited with some of his former Philadelphia Phillies teammates in Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber as well.