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Blue Jays may have found new closer in free agent pitcher with 2.88 ERA
The Toronto Blue Jays have been looking at the possibility of moving Jeff Hoffman out as their closer for next season and might have already found his replacement.
Ross Atkins spoke a few ago about the possibility of moving Hoffman into the 8th inning and bringing on a new closer for next season, as he stated that Hoffman is not married to the role and would be open to switching.
Blue Jays eyeing Emilio Pagan as new closer
The Blue Jays are looking to add some needed depth in their bullpen which is why even if they bring in a new closer, they could just end up using him as a relief pitcher and keeping Hoffman as the closer.
One free agent that could be a great option for the Blue Jays is Emilio Pagan who is coming off the best season of his career and could be a great fit for the Blue Jays bullpen.
Whether it's during this offseason or at the 2026 trade deadline, the Blue Jays and other playoff contenders will be eyeing bullpen help in different capacities. Our next look at the 2025 free agent class takes us to someone who will factor into at least the former.
That would be Emilio Pagán, who is coming off arguably the best season of his career. -Stack
That would be Emilio Pagán, who is coming off arguably the best season of his career. -Stack
Last season for the Reds, Pagan finished with a 2.88 ERA in 68.2 innings pitched along with an incredible 32 saves which not many people saw coming especially since he only had 1 in 2024.
According to projections, Pagan is expected to sign a contract worth about $12.3 million per season which is similar but under how much Hoffman is making despite having better numbers in 2025 which is why this could be a phenomenal deal.
Pagán's contract requirements are an interesting case; coming off a season where he set a career-high in saves, could he be looking for closer-type money? Is he looking for a multi-year deal? Spotrac currently projects his market value at $12.3 million per year, very similar to the AAV on Hoffman's contract. -Stack
Even if the Blue Jays bring Pagan in an just a relief pitcher, adding some much needed depth to their bullpen can go a long way in the playoffs as it was their biggest weakness this year.
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