Toronto Blue Jays manager speaks on Jeff Hoffman being removed from closer role
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Victor William
Feb 11, 2026 (8:11 PM)
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Photo credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
John Schneider stating that anyone can close games injects a thrilling sense of competition into the Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen.
The manager officially confirmed his confidence in Jeff Hoffman while leaving the ninth-inning door wide open for other late relievers.
Having a designated closer is a storied baseball tradition, but strategic flexibility is what wins tight games in the modern era.
Hoffman (Drafted 1st Round, 2014 by Blue Jays) saved 33 games last year while striking out 84 batters in exactly 68 innings.
His overall 4.37 ERA indicates he battled through some turbulence, making this internal competition exactly what he needs to stay sharp.
Manager Schneider when asked if Jeff Hoffman will close, via
@Brandon_N_Wile
:
"Anyone can really close."
Schneider said he is confident in Hoffman as a closer, but also sees Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland pitching in high-leverage situations.
@Brandon_N_Wile
:
"Anyone can really close."
Schneider said he is confident in Hoffman as a closer, but also sees Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland pitching in high-leverage situations.
Mentioning Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland as high-leverage weapons completely rewrites the tactical playbook for the late innings.
Rogers (Drafted 10th Round, 2013 by Giants) is an absolute workhorse who led the major leagues with 81 appearances last season.
A dominant bullpen by committee is the ultimate weapon
Knowing we have multiple shutdown options ready in the ninth inning gives fans an incredible sense of relief.
Rogers posted a 4-6 record with a brilliant 1.98 ERA, proving his unique submarine delivery remains a complete nightmare for opposing hitters.
Then you add Varland (Drafted 15th Round, 2019 by Twins) into the mix, bringing extreme velocity to the backend.
Varland thrived after moving to the bullpen full-time, finishing 2025 with a 4-3 record and a stellar 2.97 ERA.
Schneider can now match up perfectly based on whether he needs a massive strikeout, a double-play grounder, or pure deception.
Instead of relying on a single fatigued arm, the coaching staff can ride the hot hand through the grueling summer months.
This situation is not a closer controversy; it represents a deep collection of talent that protects our elite starting rotation.
The intense American League East demands relentless depth, and Toronto finally has the necessary firepower to finish off tough opponents.
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