Potential Red Sox Bullpen Target Signs With AL East Rival

The Boston Red Sox remain in the market for another impact addition to their bullpen. That market has been one of the slower-moving this offseason, though Friday night finally saw a development.

The Toronto Blue Jays put that in motion with a three-year free agent deal with reliever Jeff Hoffman. MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported the deal is worth up to $39 million.

Tanner Scott, who remains available, seemed like he would be the first impact reliever to start the moves among bullpen arms. Instead, the right-hander returns to the franchise that took him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft.

Hoffman struggled through the first seven years of his MLB career with the Colorado Rockies and the Cincinnati Reds. The right-hander then joined the Philadelphia Phillies and revitalized his career. Hoffman earned an All-Star selection in 2024 and posted a 2.28 ERA and 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings across his two seasons with the Phillies.

The Red Sox already added Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson to their bullpen this offseason. Scott is the best reliever on the market, but Boston can consider several options. The franchise would be wise to stay persistent about a bullpen addition after improving the starting rotation with Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler.