The Toronto Blue Jays made a big mid-season decision when GM Ross Atkins announced on Friday that Jeff Hoffman will no longer be the Blue Jays’ primary closer. Toronto opens up a three-game weekend set against the Cleveland Guardians, but questions now surround the Jays for who will get the ball in the ninth inning?
Unfortunately, it was time for Jeff Hoffman to be removed as the closer. Over 10+ innings and 12 appearances this season, Hoffman has three saves, 3 BLOWN saves, an ERA north of 7.50, and a WHIP over 2.000. Those just aren’t closer numbers, and the Blue Jays (sitting at 10-14) can’t afford to let games get away from them because of a shaky closer. So, who will the new Blue Jays closer be after this Jeff Hoffman decision?
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Who Will Close Games for the Blue Jays?
GettyJeff Hoffman is out as the Blue Jays primary closer. Who could step in to replace his ninth-inning services?
This is a big piece of news for the Blue Jays in the middle of April. Atkins indicated that Jeff Hoffman will be used in lower-leverage situations, but his struggles could lead to another demotion if they continue.
CBSSports’ Roto Wire Staff wrote (on April 24): “GM Ross Atkins announced Friday that Hoffman could still see occasional save chances but will no longer be the primary closer as the Blue Jays shift to a committee approach, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.”
The report indicates that it will be closer-by-committee, but that’s subject to change if one guy stands out immediately and is able to record saves. The immediate first option becomes Louis Varland, who has been an electric reliever for the Blue Jays since being traded from the Twins.
“Hoffman, who recorded 33 saves during the 2025 regular season, could still get some usage in the ninth inning, but Varland now appears to be the favorite for saves in Toronto. The right-hander’s fantasy upside is still likely to be more limited than a traditional closer, however, with the Blue Jays expected to mix in other relievers for saves in addition to Varland and Hoffman.”
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Blue Jays Performance As of Late
The Yankees appear to be a true threat in the American League East, but aside from New York, no AL East team really stands out, which will give the Blue Jays a lot of opportunity to play catch-up, but it starts with closing out games that they have a lead in the ninth inning.
Toronto is 4-6 in their last 10 games. They recently won the series against the Los Angeles Angels, and have won three of their last four games, so the Blue Jays are creeping back up towards the .500 mark.
As for how Louis Varland’s stats compare to Jeff Hoffman’s? Varland has pitched 13 innings this season and has an ERA of 0.00 with 19 strikeouts. He’s walked just three batters and has yet to surrender a home run (obviously). Sounds like that’s Toronto’s new closer.
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