Oct 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) enters the game in the ninth inning against the New York Mets during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Ross
Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez were arguably the two most high-leverage relievers for the Phillies down the stretch in 2024. It doesn't sound likely the duo will be back together in 2025.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was asked Tuesday whether the team could bring back both relievers this winter as each is slated to hit the open market.
"Well, you never know with payroll because you don't know what adjustments and changes that you end up making," Dombrowski said Tuesday.
"We like them both. It's hard for me to imagine that you end up bringing them both back under the circumstances because I would gather they are both going to get offered long-term, big-dollar contracts — which they're going to be looking for," Dombrowski added. "I don't see us spending that type of money on two relievers in our bullpen. But I'm just not sure at this time. But we like them both."
The Phillies acquired Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels just prior to the trade deadline. The 31-year-old has a jovial personality and fit in the clubhouse well. The 2.57 ERA he had across 20 regular-season appearances for the Phillies was strong, even if it wasn't dominant.
The Dragon Ball Z Celebration by Phillies Closer Carlos Estevez is a Tribute to Akira Toriyama
Feature story from @AntSanPhilly
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However, Estévez appeared to be leaking some oil down the stretch, and it's hard to say his time in red pinstripes so far isn't defined by the go-ahead grand slam he gave up to Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the NLDS.
"He did a good job for us," Dombrowski said of Estévez. "He helped shape our bullpen. I really liked even how he threw in the postseason, until he threw the pitch to Lindor. He was the one guy who threw the ball well before that."
Estévez was asked after Game 4 if he would like to return to the Phillies in 2025.
“I mean, hopefully. It would be great,” Estévez said. “But let’s see, you know how it is.”
Hoffman, meanwhile, struggled mightily in the playoffs as well, allowing six earned runs in just 1 1/3 total innings of work, a 40.50 ERA.
With that said, while Hoffman isn't homegrown in the sense that he wasn't drafted and developed by the Phillies, he was unlocked over the last two years in Philadelphia. By just about any metric, he was one of the best relievers in baseball over the last two seasons, posting a 2.28 ERA across 122 appearances.
Hoffman — one of eight Phillies All-Stars this season — has repeatedly expressed a desire to remain with the organization, including after NLDS Game 4.
“Yeah, it sucks. All-Star wasn’t one of my goals. Winning a World Series was,” Hoffman said. “So, back to the drawing board. I hope I’m back here next year with the same group, and get another crack at it.”
Jeff Hoffman: “Yeah, it sucks. All-Star wasn’t one of my goals, World Series was.” @PhilliesNation @OnPattison pic.twitter.com/K5aMhQVg9L
If all things are equal, you would think the Phillies would prefer to bring back Hoffman over Estévez. Of course, all things may not be equal. If it takes a four-year deal to bring back Hoffman and a two-year deal to re-sign Estévez, it will be interesting to see how the Phillies would react in that situation.
Also possible is that the Phillies bring back neither of Hoffman or Estévez and go big game hunting, trying to trade for a star closer like Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers or Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals. Dombrowski hasn't invested major resources in the closer position since coming to Philadelphia in December of 2020, but perhaps this offseason will present the perfect storm for him to change that.
If the Phillies Decide They Need an Elite Closer, This May Be the Offseason To Do It - @OnPattison https://t.co/aRjoFide6w
