The Philadelphia Phillies have had a fascinating offseason so far. With much of their budget tied up in their star players, the team is finding it difficult to pursue other high-profile free agents.
This financial constraint led the Phillies to trade for Miami Marlins ace instead.
But what about the Phillies’ own free agents?
According to Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report, Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman is expected to leave Philadelphia. Rymer predicts Hoffman will sign a three-year, $36 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, describing him as one of the more underrated free agents still available.
“Hoffman was an All-Star this past season, so he’s far from an unknown. Still, it’s worth emphasizing just how exceptional he’s been over the last two years,” Rymer wrote. “He’s posted a 2.28 ERA and a 33.4% strikeout rate during that span, ranking sixth and eighth among right-handed relievers, respectively.
“Hoffman’s dominance comes from two unhittable pitches: an upper-90s fastball that held hitters to a .198 average in 2024 and a slider that limited them to a .136 average over the last two seasons.”
Hoffman stands out as one of the league’s top relievers, excluding closers. He’s a dependable right-hander who thrives in high-pressure situations, making him one of the best arms available for high-leverage roles. The Red Sox could land him for $10–$12 million per year.
Boston, after missing out on Juan Soto, has plenty of financial flexibility this offseason. Aside from spending about $20 million to acquire Walker Buehler, the team has largely kept its wallet closed. With funds available, the Red Sox could easily afford to bring Hoffman to Fenway Park.
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