Jeff Hoffman’s three-year, $33 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays was officially announced on Friday, but the former Phillie was apparently close to signing with another AL East team.
According to a report from Robert Murray of FanSided, the Baltimore Orioles had an agreement with Hoffman for three years and $40 million earlier in the week, but backed out after Hoffman’s physical was flagged. His right shoulder was the issue. Per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Orioles tried to renegotiate the deal with Hoffman’s camp, but the 31-year-old pivoted to negotiating with the Blue Jays.