"Jeff Hoffman is one of those dudes I would never want to face" – Ex-MLB slugger hails Blue Jays’ new All-Star as potential 2025 bullpen revolution

The Toronto Blue Jays made their first real splash of the MLB offseason by signing relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal on Friday. One of the top arms left on the market is finally gone and will join a team that finished last in the AL East in the 2024 season.

Speaking on MLB Network Radio on Monday, MLB analyst and former slugger Xavier Scruggs reacted to the righty ace signing for the Blue Jays.

"This is one of those dudes that I'd never want to face," Scruggs said. "Especially what you've seen him do over the last couple of seasons. I think this is going to be one of those underrated moves for the Blue Jays just because of how consistent he's been.

"One of the best relievers we've seen over the last two years in so many different categories. He strikes guys out, he's able to keep his walks down."

The former MLB player believes Hoffman has shown the ability to be a high-leverage player out of the bullpen. The Philadelphia Phillies were excited about him in 2023, and he was "excellent" in 2023 and even better in 2024.

Scruggs said he is "one of the best setup men" in the entire sport right now, which is one area he believes the Jays struggled in. Hoffman's deal is similar to that of Clay Holmes with the New York Mets, who signed for three years but is expected to join the starting rotation.

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Jays GM welcomes Jeff Hoffman to town

Jeff Hoffman could be an important addition to the Toronto Blue Jays. General manager Ross Atkins, who facilitated the three-year contract with the former Phillies star, said he's "excited" to add the reliever to their roster this year.

Jeff Hoffman joined the Jays (Imagn)

Atkins added via MLB:

“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, Houstyn, Jetsyn, and Lennyn to Toronto."

The Jays have the unenviable task of rising back up in the deep AL East, but they believe Hoffman is a key piece of the puzzle to doing so.