The Chicago Cubs have been linked to All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman during this off season, but in a new report Hoffman is seeking a deal similar to another reliever turned starter.
The Chicago Cubs are still in need of adding another pitcher to pair with lefties Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele at the top of their starting rotation. In a new report published in MLB Trade Rumors one of the Chicago Cubs potential bullpen targets in Jeff Hoffman is seeking a deal similar the New York Mets gave to now starting pitcher Clay Holmes.
Jeff Hoffman
A one-time starter who has found more success as a reliever, Jeff Hoffman had a career year for the Philadelphia Phillies in which he was named to his first All-Star appearance in his career in 2024. Hoffman made 68 appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies in which he went 3-3, with a 2.17 ERA, with 89 strikeouts, and collecting 10 saves in 66.1 innings.
In his All-Star season Hoffman was one of the better relievers not only in the National League, but really in all of baseball. Ranking in the 96th percentile for chase, whiff, and K percentage according to his Baseball Savant as well as having one of the better pitch mixes in all of baseball Hoffman would be an interesting option for the Cubs to think of as a starter.
Wanting a deal similar to another starter?
In a new report published by of MLB Trade Rumors Jeff Hoffman is said to be wanting a deal similar to that of New York Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes who signed with the Mets earlier this winter for three-years $38 million according to Spotrac.
Jeff Hoffman wanting to sign a deal similar to Clay Holmes makes sense after Clay Holmes saw Reynaldo López find success in going from a reliever to a starting pitcher. Hoffman who was once a top starting pitching prospect with the Colorado Rockies and showed flashes of having success as being a starting pitcher. Lacking a third pitch however Hoffman was converted to a full-time reliever during his time with the Cincinnati Reds.
Why the Chicago Cubs should pursue Jeff Hoffman as a Starter?
With the Chicago Cubs still in need of a starting pitcher and both President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and Manager Craig Cousel indicating that the Cubs still are looking to add to their starting rotation, signing someone like Jeff Hoffman would be an interesting idea. Given that teams like the Atlanta Braves have had success in that area it could only make sense for the Cubs to give it a shot given the success rate so far. Hoffman who found an out pitch this past season in a splitter to go along with his four-seam fastball and slider was the reason he was named an All-Star this past season.
Always having an electric fastball to pair with a really effective slider with a ton of depth Hoffman always needed to find a third pitch in order to get hitters off his slider and fastball now has another strikeout pitch for his arsenal. With adding in an occasional sinker as well this past season Jeff Hoffman could find success as a starting pitcher once again.
If Hoffman can replicate the season he had with the Philadelphia Phillies and bring it to the Chicago Cubs as a starting pitcher, then Chicago Cubs would have a formidable number two type of starter at a fraction of the price. If for some reason Jeff Hoffman couldn’t cut it as a starter then having him move back to the bullpen when he could lock down the eighth inning for right-hander Porter Hodges who figures to be the Chicago Cubs close in 2025. Pairing them together would give the Cubs a formidable duo in the backend of the bullpen.
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