Sep 17, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) greets pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) following the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jeff Hoffman posted the following pic to his Instagram account on Wednesday, perhaps signaling that "time's up" for the Phillies to re-sign the RHP who anchored the back of the club's bullpen for two years.
Post from Jeff Hoffman on IGNote that Hoffman used a photo of himself in his All-Star Game uniform rather than Phillies gear.
When the Fightins signed righty relief pitcher Jordan Romano, On Pattison discussed whether the addition signaled the end of the Jeff Hoffman era in Philadelphia.
Hoffman found tremendous success with the Phils, putting himself in line for a big payday. There's even talk that teams are interested in converting the 2024 All-Star reliever into a starting pitcher.
Meanwhile, the Phillies, who strongly hinted at a probable choice between Hoffman and Carlos Estevez in free agency, seemed to opt for door number three via Romano.
Here's what Anthony wrote when the Romano news broke:
"Dombrowski told reporters in Dallas at the Winter Meetings that he's happy with the bullpen as situated, with the addition of Romano, but that he wouldn't rule out the addition of another reliever.
"OK, the door is still open there. But is it open for someone seeking that big a contract who doesn't profile as a regular closer and has a similar arsenal to the guy you just signed for a quarter on the dollar?"
Increasingly, it's looking like the answer is no.
