Toronto Blue Jays still looking to replace Jeff Hoffman internally
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Michael Rainone
Dec 30, 2025 (9:58 PM)
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays still have a closer problem, as Jeff Hoffman has shown in the past he is a capable reliever but not a closer, and with most of the closers already signed this winter, the Blue Jays will need to look internally to either Yimi Garcia, Tyler Rogers or Louis Varland.
All three bring their strengths and weaknesses, but one thing is for sure is that Hoffman cannot stay in that role.
Jeff Hoffman cannot stay on as Toronto Blue Jays closer.
Ryley Delaney of Blue Jays Nation reported on the potential candidates to fill Hoffman's shoes. After his blown save against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, and his propensity to give up home runs, the Blue Jays need a more reliable option to close out games for them.
"One of which is who will close? Last off-season, Jeff Hoffman was brought in to be the team's closer, and despite some good, the 32-year-old had an ERA of 4.37 in 68 innings pitched. Had he gotten those final few outs in Game 7 of the World Series, this wouldn't be a question, but, well, you know what happened."-Delaney
The most obvious answer for now is Garcia, who has had health issues in the past, but when he is healthy he is effective an reliable. He was their best reliever in 2024 posting a 2.70 ERA and 2.67 FIP in 30 innings pitched, with a 36.5 K% and 7 BB%.
" Garcia was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Jonatan Clase and Jacob Sharp, and ultimately returned to the Jays last off-season. If Hoffman's struggles continues into next season and Garcia is healthy to begin the 2026 season and pitches like he did in 2024, there's a possibility that Garcia slides into the closer role."-Delaney
If Garcia cannot get the job done, Varland or Rogers will have a big role to live up to, Rogers doesn't necessarily have the velocity of a traditional closer, but he creates a lot of soft contact from his underarm throwing motion.
Varland had a tough start once he joined the Blue Jays, but soon found his rhythm and made the most single postseason appearances in history. And could be called upon to finish out games for the Blue Jays.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 30|300 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays still looking to replace Jeff Hoffman internally Who is the better choice to replace Jeff Hoffman as the Toronto Blue Jays closer? | ||
| Tyler Rogers | 78 | 26 % |
| Louis Varland | 153 | 51 % |
| Yimi Garcia | 69 | 23 % |
| List of polls | ||