Blue Jays' Jeff Hoffman struggles continue in Opening Day win over Athletics
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Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman opened his 2026 season in a way that was both fortunate and concerning—earning a win, but also blowing a save.
While the Toronto Blue Jays secured a 3–2 victory over the Athletics on Opening Day at Rogers Centre, Jeff Hoffman’s performance left fans uneasy.
Despite being credited with the win, the outing was overshadowed by a ninth-inning collapse that continues a troubling pattern.
Tasked with protecting a 2–1 lead, Hoffman got off to a strong start by striking out the first batter he faced.
However, that momentum quickly disappeared when he surrendered a game-tying solo home run to Shea Langeliers.
Shea Langeliers TIES THE GAME in the ninth with his second homer of the night!
It was a familiar issue, home runs plagued Hoffman throughout 2025, and the problem resurfaced immediately in his first appearance of the new season.
To his credit, Hoffman regained control, striking out the next three hitters (though one reached base on a wild pitch).
He ultimately earned the win after Andrés Giménez delivered a walk-off run in the bottom of the inning.
Still, it wasn’t the kind of start Hoffman, or the organization was hoping for, especially given how last season ended.
His struggles in high-leverage moments were highlighted when he blew a save in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Blue Jays committed to Hoffman for now, plenty of high leverage internal candidates for closers role later if needed
Despite that, the Blue Jays appear committed to him. General manager Ross Atkins indicated during the offseason that the team was not actively pursuing another closer.
However, the bullpen landscape looks different in 2026. Unlike last year, Toronto now has legitimate alternatives who could step into the role if needed.
One of those options is Louis Varland, who pitched the eighth inning on Opening Day. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one, but continues to show promise as a high-leverage arm.
“There are going to be nights where it could be Louis [Varland], it could be Tyler [Rogers], it could be Brendon Little… but I have all the confidence in the world in Jeff [Hoffman].” John Schneider on the Jays’ 9th-inning plan with @SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker.
Varland built a reputation in 2025 as a durable and reliable reliever, even setting an MLB postseason record with 15 appearances.
With a fastball touching 99 mph, he has the tools to eventually take over closing duties.
For now, Hoffman remains the team’s primary closer. But with arms like Varland—and potentially Yimi García, once healthy waiting in the wings, the margin for error may be smaller this season.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 28|201 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Jeff Hoffman struggles continue in Opening Day win over Athletics Do you think the Toronto Blue Jays should keep going with Jeff Hoffman in the closers role? | ||
| Yes, he's fine | 66 | 32.8 % |
| No, Blue Jays have better internal options | 72 | 35.8 % |
| No, Blue Jays need to trade for bullpen depth | 63 | 31.3 % |
| List of polls | ||