The Atlanta Braves had their eye on adding pitcher Jeff Hoffman last offseason. It was reported that the team offered him a five-year contract with the chance to be a starter. Unfortunately, things fell through once he went through a physical.
There were concerns about his shoulder health, and this caused the team to pass on him. Hoffman then had a tentative deal with the Orioles. But the same thing happened as Baltimore also had concerns about his physical. However, Toronto decided the concerns weren't enough to pass up on his arm. Ultimately, he inked a three-year, $33 million contract to pitch out of the bullpen.
While Atlanta and Baltimore had hopes of reaching the postseason in 2025, that didn't happen. Toronto, however, is now headed to the ALCS to face the Mariners for a shot at the World Series. Hoffman is reaping the benefits of being passed on twice, while the teams that passed on him sit at home.
On a recent appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, Hoffman was asked if he's sometimes glad he didn't pass on his physical. He responded with "A little bit. I'd be sitting on the couch right now."
"Who doesn't want to play meaningful baseball in October?"
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 10, 2025
Jeff Hoffman says he's a little glad he didn't pass his physicals with the Braves and Orioles before signing with the Blue Jays in January. pic.twitter.com/KIrJyH1uIr
Jeff Hoffman's shot at the Braves the latest in a line of 2025 disappointments
They then asked if each team passing on him pushed him to perform better against them. Hoffman responded, "I wanted to play well against them, maybe a little bit more." But he moved on fairly quickly talking about how he felt he and his family ended up where they should have.
It's fair to feel that way, but he didn't exactly have the most incredible season. Hoffman posted a 4.37 ERA over 68 innings with 27 walks and 84 strikeouts. His chase, whiff, and strikeout rates were impressive, but he struggled with his walk, barrel, hard-hit, and ground ball rates.
Atlanta could have used him, considering how awful the pitching injuries were in 2025. Hoffman proved everyone wrong and stayed healthy all year. With how average his performance was, he would have fit right in with the Braves. Instead, he landed with Toronto and has the chance to prove himself in the postseason. We will always have to wonder what might have been, but things work themselves out in the end.