Jeff Hoffman’s 2026 debut wasn’t exactly what Blue Jays fans were hoping for. Sure, he technically secured the win in Toronto's 3-2 victory over the West Sacramento Athletics, but not without some drama. Hoffman blew a save, giving up a game-tying homer in the ninth-something that haunted him throughout 2025 and has reappeared right at the start of this season.
Hoffman’s grip on the closer role could be slipping early on. Back in 2015, he led all closers in home runs allowed, with a staggering 15, 14 of which came in the ninth inning-a franchise record.
And who could forget the one he gave up to Miguel Rojas in Game 7 of the World Series? Though it was his only postseason homer allowed, it was a heartbreaker.
Returning to the mound at Rogers Centre, Hoffman was eager to start fresh as the Blue Jays began their defense of the AL Championship. After striking out Nick Kurtz to kick off the ninth, thanks to an ABS challenge by Alejandro Kirk, Hoffman surrendered a home run to Shae Langeliers on a 2-1 fastball at 98.1 mph. It was a solid pitch, but Langeliers got the better of it, tying the game 2-2.
To his credit, Hoffman struck out the side, despite a dropped third strike error allowing Tyler Soderstrom to reach base. The Blue Jays aren’t likely to abandon Hoffman just yet.
GM Ross Atkins has indicated they weren’t seeking a new closer during the offseason. Despite his struggles, Hoffman has shown flashes of dominance, and last year, there weren’t many reliable alternatives.
That’s changed in 2026. Louis Varland, who pitched before Hoffman, is emerging as a potential closer.
He allowed a hit, a walk, and struck out one in his inning, showcasing a blistering 99 mph fastball. Varland set a record for relief appearances in the 2025 postseason, proving his durability.
Tyler Rogers is another option. In the eighth inning, he induced three ground ball outs around a walk. While his ninth-inning numbers aren’t stellar-4.07 ERA and a .271 opponent batting average-he thrives in the eighth, boasting a 2.34 ERA and .238 opponent average over 242 innings.
With these options, Hoffman might feel the pressure if he continues to falter. Varland and Rogers are ready to step up, potentially reshaping the Blue Jays’ bullpen dynamics as the season unfolds.