By Aaliyan MohammedShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Toronto Blue Jays just won the American League and fell one win short of winning the World Series. However, a blown save by Jeff Hoffman cost them a championship.
Hoffman was an All-Star in 2024 and signed with the Blue Jays in the offseason. He had 33 saves, but a 4.37 ERA. The Blue Jays could be looking for leverage relievers this winter, specifically guys who can close games if Hoffman struggles. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo reported on Monday that the Blue Jays were "among the teams interested" in Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks.
Fairbanks had a career-high 27 saves last season and dropped his 3.57 ERA from 2024 to 2.83. He is one of the best relievers available and could be a great addition for the Blue Jays. Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston predicted he would choose to sign with the Blue Jays over other interested teams.
...Hoffman was not terrible last season, but he was not very consistent. His ERA was inflated by some multi-run outings, but he also had some strong stretches. He was solid in the postseason outside of one pitching Game 7 of the World Series. Adding Fairbanks would give the Blue Jays another option to close games.
If Hoffman can return to All-Star form, the Blue Jays would have two great arms to use at the end of games in Fairbanks and Hoffman. The latter is under contract for one more season, and Fairbanks could take over as the closer if the Blue Jays let him walk, assuming he signs a multi-year deal.
More MLB: Blue Jays $63M All-Star Predicted to Leave for Yankees
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