Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider didn’t mince words when asked about Jeff Hoffman’s issues with stolen bases. The guy has allowed 13 steals on 16 attempts this season. That’s a problem. A big one.
Schneider told reporters Sunday, via Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, that the team needs to give the catcher a fighting chance. His exact words: “We’ve got to give the catcher a chance.”
It’s not hard to read between the lines there. That’s a direct message to Hoffman. You’re not holding runners on. You’re not giving the guy behind the plate any help. And it’s costing games.
The numbers are ugly
Hoffman signed a $33 million deal back in January 2025. That was after Toronto’s run to the AL pennant, where he went 9-7 with 84 strikeouts in 71 appearances. He gave up 15 homers that year but was effective enough to earn the big payday.
This season? Different story. He’s 5-6 in 44 games. Already allowed 43 hits — he gave up 54 all of last season. He’s surrendered 25 runs and four homers. The strikeouts are still there (64), but the saves are scarce: just five.
And it’s not just the stolen bases. His overall production has slipped. The stolen base thing is just the most visible issue because it puts pressure on everyone else.
Sunday’s outing didn’t help
Hoffman pitched one inning against the Padres at Petco Park. Two runs on three hits. San Diego walked off with a 5-4 win. Toronto dropped to 45-51 on the season.
That’s not where anyone expected this team to be. Especially not after the World Series run.
The Blue Jays front office has to be wondering what’s going on. Hoffman is 33. He’s not some kid finding his way. He’s a veteran who’s supposed to be a reliable arm out of the bullpen. Right now he’s a liability, and the stolen base issue is the part everyone can quantify.
Schneider’s comment wasn’t just frustration. It was a warning. Fix this, or we find someone who will.
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