The Atlanta Braves had their sights on the all-star, but saw some major red flags during the physical – another team did as well.
The Atlanta Braves reportedly came close to making a long-awaited free agent deal this offseason. However, they decided to withdraw.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, right-handed relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman’s possible deal fell through after he failed a physical with the Braves’ medical team. He also failed a physical with the Baltimore Orioles before eventually signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hoffman and the Blue Jays agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract on Friday. There was no information offered about the terms of a deal with the Braves.
Last season, the 32-year-old finished 3-3 with a 2.17 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 10 saves in 68 appearances for the Phillies, earning his first All-Star nod.
According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Hoffman and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract last week.
However, the Orioles pulled out after Hoffman’s physical. According to Murray, two sources claim it was his right shoulder. The Orioles eventually signed right-hander Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million contract on Friday.
We cannot confirm whether he passed a physical with the Blue Jays because it was not included in the reports. We do know that conversations with the Blue Jays “accelerated” after his failed Orioles physical.
Given the Braves’ injury problems last season, it’s not surprising that they were hesitant to add a shoulder injury to the mix. They already have Joe Jimenez, a vital reliever, who could miss the entire season next year.
However, it demonstrates that the Braves’ lack of activity was not for lack of effort. They’ve been monitoring Hoffman. It has been confirmed that they were interested in shortstop Willy Adames prior to his signing with the Giants.
The Braves are hunting for the ideal signing. It will arrive, and based on these developments, they will not compel anything to happen.
Given the Braves’ injury problems last season, it’s not surprising that they were hesitant to add a shoulder injury to the mix. They already have Joe Jimenez, a vital reliever, who could miss the entire season next year.
However, it demonstrates that the Braves’ lack of activity was not for lack of effort. They’ve been monitoring Hoffman. It has been confirmed that they were interested in shortstop Willy Adames prior to his signing with the Giants.
The Braves are hunting for the ideal signing. It will arrive, and based on these developments, they will not compel anything to happen.
