The Orioles nearly handed out their first multiyear contract to a free agent pitcher since 2018, but now that player is a Toronto Blue Jay.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves backed out of agreements to sign Jeff Hoffman because of concerns about the reliever’s pitching shoulder before he finalized a $33 million, three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays last week.

In a statement, Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Hoffman will get a chance to close games, the role that Jordan Romano filled for most of the last four seasons.

One of the most sought-after relievers this offseason was Jeff Hoffman, and before signing the Blue Jays, multiple teams passed up on him.

Prior to signing with the Blue Jays, however, Hoffman reached a three-year, $40 million deal with the Orioles, but it fell through due to concerns with Hoffman’s physical, per MLB insider Robert Murray. Hoffman, 32, had his best MLB season with the Phillies in 2024, emerging as one of the league’s top bullpen arms.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta backed out of agreements to sign Jeff Hoffman because of concerns about the reliever's pitching shoulder before he finalized a three-year contract worth $33 million US with the Toronto Blue Jays last week.

The Baltimore Orioles balked at signing Jeff Hoffman, and the Toronto Blue Jays newest pitcher plans to show them what they missed out on.