The Atlanta Braves reportedly backed out of a five-year contract with Jeff Hoffman due to a failed physical. Initially, Hoffman had agreed to a deal worth between $45 and $48 million, but issues identified during his physical with the Braves’ medical team caused the agreement to be canceled.
Similarly, the Baltimore Orioles also withdrew from a deal with Hoffman after their medical evaluation revealed a problem with his right shoulder. Although Baltimore attempted to renegotiate, Hoffman ultimately signed a three-year, $33 million contract, including $6 million in incentives, with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Braves had intended for Hoffman to start with the possibility of transitioning him to a full-time reliever by the contract’s end. This plan mirrored their success with Reynaldo Lopez, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract last offseason and performed impressively as a starter.
Hoffman, who remained healthy during his last two seasons with the Phillies, had previously faced significant injuries with the Cincinnati Reds, missing time in 2021 and 2022 due to shoulder and forearm issues, respectively.
With the collapse of the Hoffman deal, the Braves are expected to pursue another starting pitcher to fill the void left by Max Fried’s departure to the Yankees and Charlie Morton’s move to the Braves.
A return to the Phillies for Hoffman seemed unlikely following their signing of Jordan Romano to a one-year, $8.5 million deal. Hoffman had been a top reliever for the Phillies, and now Romano, Orion Kerkering, Jose Ruiz, and newcomer Joe Ross will take on the challenge of handling high-leverage innings from the right side.
