It seems the Atlanta Braves have been making waves this offseason, even if nothing has quite clicked into place yet. The latest buzz revolves around a potential signing that didn’t pan out.
Fresh off an impressive season, right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman was reportedly close to joining the Braves—until a failed physical threw a wrench in the deal.
The Braves’ Near-Miss with Jeff Hoffman
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Hoffman didn’t just stumble with Atlanta. His physical with the Baltimore Orioles also raised red flags, leading both teams to back off.
Despite these setbacks, the Toronto Blue Jays swooped in, signing Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million contract.
It’s unclear if the Blue Jays conducted a physical or opted to roll the dice, but one thing is certain: talks between Hoffman and Toronto sped up quickly after the Orioles pulled out.
Hoffman’s Stellar Season and Shoulder Concerns
Hoffman’s numbers last season with the Phillies were stellar—3-3 with a 2.17 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 10 saves across 68 appearances.
These stats earned him his first All-Star nod, making him a hot commodity in the free-agent market. However, his reported shoulder issues were enough to give the Braves and Orioles pause.
FanSided’s Robert Murray revealed that Baltimore initially agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract before backing out post-physical. They chose to sign Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million deal instead.
The Braves’ Calculated Approach to Free Agency
For the Braves, Hoffman’s failed physical might feel like déjà vu. Injuries were a persistent thorn in their side last season, and with reliever Joe Jimenez possibly sidelined for the upcoming year, the team can’t afford to take unnecessary risks.
While the Braves have been quiet on the signing front, their near-deal with Hoffman and interest in players like shortstop Willy Adames signal they’re staying active behind the scenes.
The right addition is out there, and the Braves appear determined to play the long game. They’re not forcing moves but positioning themselves for the perfect fit.
