This wasn’t the easiest choice
Not all weeks are created equal.
Sometimes, there is an obvious player to choose from, one that has been the clear best one on the field for seven days. Other times, there might be two choices, an option we had last week with Ranger Suarez and Alec Bohm. This week is an example of the third kind – the week without someone leaping out and proclaiming himself as the Phillie of the Week. So, let’s stretch a bit and name someone who doesn’t often get named with one of these awards.
Jeff Hoffman: 3 G, 3 IP, 70.0 K%, 0.0 BB%, 1 SV, 0.00 ERA, -1.51 FIP
Jeff Hoffman’s 3Ks in the 8th. pic.twitter.com/8umCyM06w3
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 6, 2024
Jeff Hoffman = nasty
Punched out the side on just 15 pitches
— The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) May 4, 2024
I think the team has a decision to make this offseason with regards to retaining Hoffman’s services. One of the recent success stories the team has had with its pitching development program, he’s going to be a free agent when the year is concluded. Last year’s success coupled with the continuity of that success in 2024 means he’s likely looking at a decent payday when teams are able to bid for him. Will the Phillies keep him at a rate higher than they’re comfortable with? He’s currently their second most trusted reliever, maybe their first depending on the day. If his asking price reaches somewhere in the $10 million per year range, does the team move around the couch cushions looking for ways to pay him? Personally, even with the volatility of relievers these days, I’d still try everything possible to get him signed.
Honorable mentions
Bryson Stott: .333/.524/.467, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 3 SB
With Trea Turner going down for a while, the offense will need its stars to start playing, well, like stars. Stott looks like he has started to figure some things out after a wickedly slow start to the season. The lack of power is still an issue, but a few doubles this week makes the slugging percentage start looking a little more palatable. He’ll be leaned on a bit more in the coming weeks.
Jose Alvarado: 4 G, 4 IP, 17.6 K%, 0.0 BB%, 2 SV, 2.25 ERA, 4.91 FIP
Outside of the hiccup Sunday evening, Alvarado has been just as good as Hoffman this week. Forming that 1-2 eighth and ninth inning punch, whatever order they are deployed in, is a big boost to the team. We haven’t seen this kind of reliability in the bullpen in those innings in quite a while.