While some farewells are murmured, some are chanted, and yet others are sealed with a kiss—a kiss tasted sweet with satisfaction. For Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman, the kiss pointed precisely at the Baltimore Orioles dugout. A chilly postgame gesture bearing the weight of a $33 million choice they later came to regret.

​On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays secured a dramatic 7-6 extra-inning victory over the Baltimore Orioles. With two scoreless innings, including two vital strikeouts and the tying run on third in the 10th, reliever Jeff Hoffman made a remarkable effort in the game. Hoffman kissed the dugout of the Orioles after securing the victory.

Hoffman’s teammate Myles Straw voiced approval of the reliever’s actions. Regarding the kiss, Straw said, “I did not see that, but whatever he wants to do he can do it. As long as he keeps pitching like that he can do whatever he wants.” Hoffman’s effort against the Orioles helped the Blue Jays prevail and provided a kind of personal vindication. His early efforts this season—a 2-0 record, a 0.96 ERA, 13 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings—are proving rather beneficial to Toronto.

While teammates value Hoffman’s outstanding arsenal, his manager values his fire on the mound, in his pitches as much as in his demeanour. “I love it,” John Schneider remarked. “He does such a good job of containing it. And when he makes pitches he lets it out, which I think is great. He really likes these moments.”

Hoffman’s performance will be crucial as the Blue Jays go on their season, facing clubs like the Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners. His path from a retracted contract to a major contributor in professional sports is a remarkable story of endurance and atonement.

The Orioles’ decision: A costly misjudgment?

A question that must be buzzing within Oriole’s management mind. Did they make the right decision? Given Hoffman’s later success with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Baltimore Orioles decision to revoked their $40 million offer to him due to worries over his shoulder condition. N0.23, who had not been on the injured list in the two years before the Orioles’ offer, expressed surprise at the Orioles’ worries, saying the flagged problems did not match his physical state. He later signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Blue Jays, where he has since given outstanding performances, including his last triumph against his former team.

Concurrently, the O’s bullpen has had difficulties. The bullpen needed development in the 2024 season, ranking 23rd in ERA (4.22) and 15th in home runs. With the return of Tommy John surgery’s All-Star closer Felix Bautista and the inclusion of seasoned relievers like Andrew Kittredge, the team had hoped for a turnaround. However, the choice to pass on Hoffman, who has shown to be a consistent and successful reliever for the Blue Jays, raises issues about the Orioles’ assessment system and how it affects their bullpen effectiveness.

Hoffman’s performance and his postgame gesture toward the Orioles’ dugout highlight the emotionally intense game between the Orioles and Blue Jays, which might have long-lasting effects on both clubs. For the Blue Jays, the triumph and Hoffman’s involvement might trigger confidence and momentum as the season unfolds. Regarding player assessments and acquisitions, especially, the loss and the circumstances surrounding it could cause the Orioles to reflect and rethink their decision-making practices.

Charm City’s Ballclub has games ahead that will test its resilience and ability to recover from mistakes. Its forthcoming calendar features games against the Reds and the Guardians, giving it chances to confirm its general team performance and bullpen. Maintaining the momentum acquired from their most recent triumph will be vital for the Blue Jays if they want to establish themselves as formidable American League contenders.