Blue Jays Rely on Struggling All-Star Closer to Anchor Bullpen

Toronto's World Series hopes hinge on Jeff Hoffman returning to form after disastrous Game 7 performance.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:08pm

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The Toronto Blue Jays are counting on All-Star closer Jeff Hoffman to bounce back this season after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw him blow a save in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite adding top free agents like Dylan Cease and Kazuma Okamoto, the Blue Jays did not sign another reliever to replace Hoffman, putting the onus on the 33-year-old to regain his All-Star form.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays are widely expected to contend for the World Series again this year, but their bullpen could be their Achilles' heel if Hoffman continues to struggle. As a key part of their late-inning relief corps, Hoffman's performance will be crucial in determining whether Toronto can finally capture its first championship since 1993.

The details

Hoffman had a chance to close out the Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series last year but instead allowed a game-tying home run. Despite the addition of reliever Tyler Rogers, the Blue Jays are placing their trust in Hoffman to be their closer again this season after he posted a 4.37 ERA, his worst since 2021, in 71 appearances in his first year with the team.

  • In Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, Hoffman allowed a game-tying home run with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning.
  • Hoffman is entering the second year of a three-year, $33 million contract with the Blue Jays.

The players

Jeff Hoffman

A 33-year-old All-Star closer for the Toronto Blue Jays who struggled in his first season with the team in 2025, posting a 4.37 ERA.

Miguel Rojas

The Los Angeles Dodgers player who hit the game-tying home run off Hoffman in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

Dylan Cease

A top free agent pitcher the Blue Jays signed this offseason to bolster their starting rotation.

Kazuma Okamoto

Another top free agent the Blue Jays signed this offseason to improve their roster.

Tyler Rogers

A reliever the Blue Jays signed this offseason to add depth to their bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“As Toronto fans well know, the Blue Jays were two outs from beating the Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series last year when Miguel Rojas took Hoffman deep to tie the game.”

— Jeff Passan, ESPN Insider

“The bullpen, then, is Toronto's potential Achilles' heel -- even with the addition of Tyler Rogers -- and Hoffman playing security blanket instead of fire starter in the ninth inning is the sort of stabilizer needed in an AL East built to expose every little weakness that exists.”

— Jeff Passan, ESPN Insider

What’s next

The Blue Jays will be closely monitoring Hoffman's performance in spring training and the early part of the season to see if he can regain his All-Star form. If he continues to struggle, the team may need to explore trade options or promote a younger reliever to take over the closer role.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays are putting a lot of faith in Hoffman to bounce back and anchor their bullpen this season. If he can't return to his previous All-Star level, Toronto's World Series aspirations could be in jeopardy despite their talented roster in other areas.