In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, one name that has surfaced in recent discussions is right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman. Once a highly-touted prospect, Hoffman has spent much of his career bouncing between bullpen and starting roles. As the offseason progresses, rumors are swirling about whether a team could sign the 31-year-old as a potential starter, and whether the Philadelphia Phillies could be willing to move on from him in such a role.
### Jeff Hoffman’s Career Path
Jeff Hoffman was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft, before being traded to the Colorado Rockies. After several seasons of starting and relieving for the Rockies, Hoffman’s performance remained inconsistent, leading to his move to the bullpen in 2021. He eventually joined the Phillies in 2022, where he made his presence felt as a versatile arm in manager Rob Thomson’s bullpen.
In 2023, Hoffman posted a solid 3.34 ERA and a career-high 92 strikeouts in 67 innings of work, but his role largely remained confined to middle and late relief. Despite his success in the bullpen, Hoffman’s overall career numbers as a starter have not been as eye-popping, and his ability to miss bats has always been a key component of his value.
### Could Hoffman be Viewed as a Starting Option?
The question remains: could Hoffman be viewed as a legitimate starting option for a team, especially as free-agent options at starting pitcher become more limited?
**1. Pitched Well in a Small Sample as a Starter**
Though Hoffman has spent the majority of his career in the bullpen, he has a history of starting games—albeit in small, experimental samples. In 2023, he made a few spot starts for the Phillies, showing that he is capable of pitching as a starter when called upon. However, this was more of an emergency or tactical decision, rather than a permanent move. While Hoffman’s stuff is undoubtedly suited for the bullpen, there’s a possibility that teams could see his 94-95 mph fastball and a solid slider as ingredients for a successful starting pitcher.
**2. Control and Durability Questions**
One of the main concerns for Hoffman as a starting pitcher has been his control. In 2023, his walk rate remained a bit high (3.8 walks per nine innings), which is often a liability for starters who need to go deeper into games. Control issues are less of a concern in the bullpen, where pitchers can go all-out for shorter stints, but they can be more of a hindrance when starters are expected to consistently work through the order two or three times.
Additionally, while Hoffman has shown the ability to throw multiple innings in relief, questions about his durability over a full 162-game season as a starting pitcher remain. Can his arm handle the demands of the rotation? Is he able to maintain effectiveness over six or seven innings, or will he struggle with a lack of depth as a starter?
**3. Rising Demand for Versatile Arms**
Teams that are seeking depth in their rotation could view Hoffman as a cost-effective option with some upside. While not a front-line starter, Hoffman could make for a solid back-end rotation piece or a swingman who can be deployed in both starting and relief roles. His ability to provide length out of the bullpen while occasionally stepping into a starting role is a valuable commodity in an era where teams prefer versatility in their pitching staffs.
Moreover, with injuries often wreaking havoc on pitching rotations, a team might take a flier on Hoffman, betting on his experience and ability to step in as a starter when needed.
### Will the Phillies Let Hoffman Walk?
As for the Phillies, Hoffman’s role with the team could be a bit of a crossroads. The club is likely looking to strengthen its starting rotation, and while Hoffman has been a useful asset out of the bullpen, he’s not exactly a long-term solution for the rotation in Philadelphia. With the Phillies poised to contend for a World Series title over the next few seasons, they might opt to invest in proven starting pitchers via free agency or trade rather than relying on Hoffman to make the jump to the rotation full-time.
However, the Phillies may not completely rule out Hoffman as a starter, given that he showed flashes of effectiveness in that role. It’s also possible that the team could try to negotiate a new deal with Hoffman if they’re unsure about the state of their rotation heading into next season.
### Conclusion: Could Hoffman be Signed as a Starter?
While it seems unlikely that Hoffman will land a spot as a guaranteed starting pitcher for a contending team, there are plenty of factors that could lead him to earn that role in 2024 or beyond. His ability to fill multiple roles on a pitching staff, coupled with his solid stuff, makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth and versatility.
As the offseason continues, expect more rumors to surface about Hoffman’s future. Whether as a starting pitcher or a valuable bullpen arm, the right opportunity could certainly lead to a significant role in 2024—either as a Phillies pitcher or on another team that sees potential in his transition back to the rotation.
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