June 18, 2025
In a move that didn’t generate much noise but could have future implications, the Texas Rangers have traded right-handed reliever Nolan Hoffman to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations. While the deal might seem minor on the surface, it closes the chapter on a reliever with a unique style and some untapped potential — and opens the door for Philadelphia to potentially gain a bullpen boost at minimal cost.
Hoffman, 27, brings a distinctive submarine-style delivery to the mound, a rare arm slot that can throw hitters off rhythm. However, his time with the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate in 2025 didn’t go as hoped. In 35 innings, he posted a 5.91 ERA, largely due to command issues and an elevated walk rate of 13.2%. Despite striking out nearly 29% of batters faced, he struggled to consistently finish at-bats and strand runners, leading to disappointing results.
The Rangers took a chance on Hoffman after he became a free agent following the 2024 season, signing him to a minor league deal. Prior to that, he had put together a pair of solid seasons in the Orioles’ system, including a 3.05 ERA in 2023 across Double-A and Triple-A, followed by a 3.88 ERA in 2024 with a career-best strikeout rate of 28.2%.
This year, though, Hoffman’s batted-ball data suggested some bad luck. Opponents managed a high .321 average on balls in play against him, despite weak contact metrics — including an average exit velocity of just 85.7 mph and a 28.2% hard-hit rate. His ground-ball rate also dipped to 44.6%, down from his usual dominance in that department, possibly due to pitch usage changes made by the Rangers’ development staff. He increased his sinker velocity from 91.9 mph to 93.3 mph and began incorporating a cutter, while pulling back on his curveball and changeup.
While Texas decided to move on, the Phillies saw enough to take a shot. Hoffman has been added to Philadelphia’s 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley — signaling that the club believes he could be a bullpen contributor in the near future. He’s not joining the Phillies’ MLB bullpen just yet, but his inclusion on the 40-man roster puts him on the radar.
The move could be viewed as a quietly savvy one for Philadelphia — and one that Texas might regret if Hoffman can find his rhythm and become the bullpen weapon many thought he could be a few seasons ago. For now, the Rangers have opted to clear space and focus on other relief options, while Hoffman heads to an organization that might offer him the breakthrough opportunity he’s been waiting for.
