Jeff Hoffman has had a roller coaster 2025 with his new team, but lately things have seemingly hit the bottom for him, as he finished August allowing 8 earned runs on 10 hits and 4 walks while striking out just 3 over his past 6 appearances (5.1 IP). There may be some fatigue factor here as the velocity has dropped over this span and his command has also taken a hit but even if we go back all the way to the start of July, Hoffman has been more mediocre than truly elite. I don’t think he is in the discussion to be dropped just yet, and for now it appears that his job is still safe as the rest of this Blue Jays bullpen has also struggled in August.
Notes
- I was worried last week that Devin Williams might be a threat to reclaim the closer role for the Yankees given how well he’d been pitching lately, but we also know that Williams couldn’t afford another set back. It was unlucky, but Williams outing Saturday night probably pushes him further away from getting his job back, while David Bednar hasn’t allowed runs since August 20th. Now he just needs some save chances finally.
- Not only has Cade Smith been awesome over his past three outings, but his velocity also looks to be back where we want it to be, so I’m certainly less concerned right now as compared to last week. He should continue to close out games for the Guardians as long as he’s healthy.
- Ryan Walker has the closer role all to himself again, and with no competition in that Giants bullpen anymore, should be able to finish out the year in the role he started in. Obviously the first half was rough for Walker, but since July he’s held a 1.77 ERA (2.36 xFIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 29.1% K rate. Not quite 2024 Walker stuff, but we’ll take it at this point.
- Kenley Jansen finished with a 3.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in August over 12 innings, but that came with a 6.31 xFIP and just a 6.3% K-BB rate as the veteran closer tries to power through the rest of the regular season. He’s been dealing with some nagging injuries but seems determined to finish the year as the Angels closer regardless. Jansen needs just six more saves to tie Lee Smith for third most saves all-time.
- Shawn Armstrong has the past two saves for a surging Rangers team and could be the favorite for them the rest of the way, even with a healthy Chris Martin. Over his past 33.1 innings dating back to the begining of June, Armstrong holds a 1.35 ERA (2.89 SIERA), 0.63 WHIP and 26.8% K rate as well as a surprisingly high 116 Stuff+. He’s made some improvements to his sinker this season but moreso the slider/cutter. The other difference maker is the sweeper he’s introduced and is throwing just as much as he’s other offerings.
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aroldis ChapmanT1 | BOS | - |
| 2 | Edwin Díaz | LAD | - |
| 3 | Jhoan Duran | PHI | - |
| 4 | Andrés MuñozT2 | SEA | - |
| 5 | Bryan Abreu | HOU | +1 |
| 6 | Abner Uribe | MIL | -1 |
| 7 | Pete FairbanksT3 | MIA | +1 |
| 8 | Tanner Scott | LAD | -1 |
| 9 | Robert Suarez | ATL | - |
| 10 | David Bednar | NYY | +3 |
| 11 | Raisel Iglesias | ATL | -1 |
| 12 | Jose A. Ferrer | SEA | -1 |
| 13 | Cade Smith | NYY | +1 |
| 14 | Ryan Walker | SF | +5 |
| 15 | Carlos EstévezT4 | KC | +2 |
| 16 | Daniel Palencia | CHC | -1 |
| 17 | Jeff Hoffman | TOR | -5 |
| 18 | Shawn Armstrong | CLE | +9 |
| 19 | Emilio Pagán | CIN | -1 |
| 20 | Dennis Santana | PIT | - |
| 21 | Kenley Jansen | DET | -5 |
| 22 | Kyle FinneganT5 | DET | -1 |
| 23 | Will Vest | DET | -1 |
| 24 | JoJo Romero | STL | -1 |
| 25 | Jordan LeasureT6 | CWS | +1 |
| 26 | Ronny Henriquez | MIA | +2 |
| 27 | Mason Miller | SD | -3 |
| 28 | Devin Williams | NYM | -3 |
| 29 | Sean NewcombT7 | CWS | - |
| 30 | Victor Vodnik | COL | +3 |
| 31 | Cole Sands | MIN | +UR |
| 32 | Andrew Saalfrank | ARI | +UR |
| 33 | Keegan Akin | BAL | +7 |
| 34 | Calvin Faucher | MIA | +1 |
| 35 | Seranthony Domínguez | CWS | -3 |
| 36 | Blake Treinen | LAD | +UR |
| 37 | Tony Santillan | CIN | -7 |
| 38 | Justin Topa | MIN | -2 |
| 39 | Riley O’Brien | STL | -5 |
| 40 | Grant Taylor | CWS | -3 |
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