When Alex Anthopoulos makes a move, it’s rarely predictable. Atlanta Braves fans have come to expect the unexpected, and that unpredictability has brought the team consistent success. Case in point is the transformation of Reynaldo Lopez into a top-tier starter. What seemed like a gamble became one of the most brilliant moves of the offseason. Now, Anthopoulos may be eyeing another unconventional reclamation project: Jeff Hoffman.
Lopez’s story is a case study of turning potential into performance. Lopez’s early career was plagued by sky-high ERAs and struggles with consistency. After transitioning to the bullpen, he found his groove, but the Braves dared to give him another shot at starting. The result? A dazzling 1.99 ERA across 135.2 innings—a career-best for the right-hander and a validation of Anthopoulos’ vision.
Hoffman’s career trajectory mirrors Lopez’s in many ways. After five turbulent years in Colorado that left him with a 6.40 ERA, Hoffman began to find his footing in Cincinnati and later thrived with the Phillies. In 2023 and 2024, he posted ERAs of 2.41 and 2.17, as a reliever. His arsenal and durability suggest untapped potential as a starter.
In a recent interview, Hoffman reflected on the possibility of transitioning back into a starting role. He cited the successes of Lopez and Jordan Hicks as inspirations. “It’s an interesting thought,” he admitted, underscoring his belief that his deep arsenal could translate to success in a rotation.
Anthopoulos has a history of turning low-risk signings into high-reward performers, and Hoffman fits that mold perfectly. Worst case? The Braves get a top-tier reliever. Best case? They uncover another Reynaldo Lopez—a dominant starter at a fraction of the cost of an established ace. Hoffman represents a can’t-miss opportunity for a team that values depth and flexibility.
Whether he ends up in the rotation or the bullpen, Hoffman’s potential makes him a compelling option for Atlanta. If history is any guide, Anthopoulos might just have another ace up his sleeve.
