Jeff Hoffman not guaranteed closer role in 2026
by Bruno Mulé | Blue Jays Correspondent | Tue, Nov 11th 10:07am EST
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Thursday that the team isn’t committed to Jeff Hoffman as its primary closer next season, Rob Longley of The Toronto Sun reports. Despite recording a career-high 33 saves in 2025, Hoffman’s first year in Toronto was uneven, highlighted by a 4.37 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 68 innings and a blown save in Game 7 of the World Series. Atkins mentioned Yimi Garcia (elbow) and Louis Varland as potential ninth-inning options while also leaving open the possibility of adding another reliever this offseason. (Rob Longley)
Fantasy Impact:
Hoffman’s grip on the closer role appears tenuous heading into 2026. His inconsistency and the team’s openness to other options suggest that Toronto could enter spring training with a committee approach. Until the bullpen hierarchy becomes clearer, Hoffman should be viewed as a risky fantasy investment for saves next season.
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