Blue Jays Move to Closer-By-Committee After Hoffman Shake-Up
The Toronto Blue Jays have removed Jeff Hoffman from the closer role after three blown saves and a rough start, shifting to a closer-by-committee approach with Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Braydon Fisher in line for save chances. Varland, who has a 7.59 ERA through 10 2/3 innings this season, combines elite strikeouts with control issues and may be relegated to a fireman role in some games; Rogers and Fisher offer other late-inning options. Hoffman previously excelled with a 2.28 ERA in 118 2/3 innings for 2023–24, but struggled in 2025, including aGame 7 game-tying homer that tempered that success. The Jays signed Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal in the 2024–25 offseason, and are now aiming for stability by mixing their bullpen for saves.