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MLB
Blue Jays announce overdue closer change
TL;DR
The Toronto Blue Jays have announced a change in their closer role after Jeff Hoffman struggled with a 7.59 ERA in the first 12 games of the 2026 season. The team will now use a 'closer by committee' approach.
Key points
- Jeff Hoffman has a 7.59 ERA in 2026 season's first 12 games
- Blue Jays will implement a 'closer by committee' strategy
- Hoffman allowed a crucial home run in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series
Toronto Blue JaysJeff HoffmanLos Angeles DodgersMiguel Rojas
Maybe the first sign of trouble around Jeff Hoffman was when the Toronto Blue Jays’ closer allowed a game-tying home run to light-hitting Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.
Maybe the second sign of trouble arrived in February, when Hoffman said he would “always” bear the burden of what ultimately became a season-ending loss in extra innings.
MORE: Blue Jays closer breaks silence on World Series Game 7 meltdown vs Dodgers
What transpired to begin the 2026 season, then, was mere confirmation. Hoffman has a 7.59 ERA through his first 12 appearances of the season. Friday, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atikins told reporters the team will move to a “closer by committee.”
Although Atkins allowed for Hoffman to get some save chances going forward, so will Louis Varland, who’s been much more effective (0.00 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 13 innings) to start the new season.
Hoffman, 33, was an All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024. But he’s now responsible for three blown saves in his first six chances of 2026, despite not inheriting any runners on base.
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Q&A
Why did the Blue Jays change their closer?
The Blue Jays changed their closer due to Jeff Hoffman's poor performance, highlighted by a 7.59 ERA in the first 12 games of the 2026 season.
What does 'closer by committee' mean for the Blue Jays?
'Closer by committee' means that multiple pitchers will share closing duties instead of relying on a single designated closer.
What was Jeff Hoffman's performance in the 2025 World Series?
Jeff Hoffman allowed a game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, which contributed to the Blue Jays' loss.
