There is a Philadelphia Phillies reliever who deserves a contract extension. Since joining the Phillies last season after being released by the Minnesota Twins, Jeff Hoffman has been one of their best relief pitchers. In seven seasons before joining the Phillies, Hoffman had a 15-21 record with a 5.68 ERA, an 86 ERA+, and 321 strikeouts. This resulted in 134 outings with the Colorado Rockies and the Cincinnati Reds, including 50 starts. In two seasons with the Phillies, Hoffman has a 7-2 record with a 2.11 ERA, a 205 ERA+, and 93 strikeouts. This has come in 70 appearances. The 2023 season saw Hoffman make a career-high 54 appearances. This included a career-best 13 games finished as well.
The contract Hoffman has run through this season. In addition, Hoffman is eligible to be a free agent this offseason. With that in mind, it is time for the Phillies to give Hoffman a contract extension. Of the three Phillies scheduled to be unrestricted free agents this offseason, the other two being Spencer Turnbull and Kolby Allard, Hoffman is the most worthy of an extension. Since joining the Phillies, Hoffman has become one of baseball’s most reliable set-up relief pitchers. Hoffman has also recorded three saves with the Phillies. During the 2023 postseason, Hoffman had a 1-1 record with a 2.57 ERA and a 0.857 WHIP with nine strikeouts. Hoffman had an 11.6 SO9 and a 1.3 BB9 during the 2023 postseason.
Phillies Reliever Deserves A Contract Extension
The former first round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014 Hoffman has become one of the Phillies most reliable bullpen arms. So far, in 16 games this season, Hoffman has a 2-0 record with a 1.13 ERA, which leads Phillies relief pitchers with at least 10 appearances, and a 371 ERA+ as well as 24 strikeouts. Hoffman also has a 0.938 WHIP and a 1.09 FIP. Additionally, Hoffman has a 13.50 SO9 and a 2.81 BB9. This season, Hoffman has two saves in four save opportunities. Hoffman also has five holds this season. Opposing hitters have a .182 batting average against Hoffman this season. In addition, Hoffman has not allowed an earned run in his last 11 appearances and 15 out of his 16 appearances this season.
During the 2023 season, Hoffman had a 5-2 record with a 2.41 ERA, an 181 ERA+, and 69 strikeouts in 54 appearances. Furthermore, Hoffman had a 0.917 WHIP and a 2.57 FIP. Hoffman had an 11.87 SO9 and a 3.27 BB9. The 2023 season also saw Hoffman record a career-best 1.9 bWAR. Before the 2023 season, Hoffman had not had a season with a 1.0 bWAR or more significant. So far this season, Hoffman has had an 0.8 bWAR. Hoffman recorded one save as well as 11 holds last season. Between the two seasons with the Phillies, Hoffman has three saves in seven opportunities and 16 holds. There is an argument to be made that Hoffman should be the Phillies closer. Currently, the Phillies are using a closer-by-committee system.
Further Evaluation Of The Success Hoffman Has Had This Season
So far this season, Hoffman has a 38.7% whiff rate that ranks 16th in the majors and 15th among relief pitchers. It is also the best whiff rate on the Phillies. Hoffman has a 39.3% strikeout rate, ranking 13th in the majors and among relief pitchers. That ranks second on the Phillies behind Matt Strahm. In addition, Hoffman has a 31.1% K%-BB%, which ranks 18th among the majors and 17th among relief pitchers. This ranks third on the Phillies behind Nick Nelson and Strahm. Hoffman has the 11th-best FIP in the majors, ranking 10th among relief pitchers. This ranks third on the Phillies behind Nelson and Strahm. These rankings are all according to Baseball Prospectus as of May 6.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
