Phillies unexpected All-Star has been team's 'hidden gem,' says report

The calendar is approaching the official start of fall, which means it's almost time for the Philadelphia Phillies to take center stage.

After two near misses in the past two seasons, the Phillies will be in hot pursuit of a World Series ring. "Red October" has become a phenomenon around Major League Baseball, and Philadelphia is once again among the favorites to bring home a title.

The 2024 Phillies have been front-runners, bulldozing their way to a National League East title. Their pitching staff has been the key to their success, with the fifth-best team ERA in MLB at 3.71.

One pitcher in particular has stood out as a lynchpin in the Phillies' winning ways, and he's flown under the radar at times. But on Friday, he's getting his shine.

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter designated Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman as the team's "hidden gem" from the 2024 season.

"The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has emerged as a legitimate strength this season thanks in large part to the emergence of Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering as lights out options in the late innings," Reuter said.

"Any of the three could have been the choice of the hidden gem for the Phillies this season, but Hoffman has been the most valuable of the bunch, and he has set himself up for a massive payday in free agency this winter."

Hoffman's career turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. Once a top-ranked starting pitching prospect with the Colorado Rockies, he transformed himself from a Coors Field punching bag to one of the top relievers in the entire sport.

In 2024, Hoffman owns a sterling 1.79 ERA, with 81 strikeouts in just 60 1/3 innings pitched. That's good for a 228 ERA+, meaning the 31-year-old has been 128% better than the average pitcher with all factors considered.

The Phillies will have a tough task to re-sign Hoffman this winter, but for now, they're just glad he's on their side. It will be comforting for manager Rob Thomson to look out on the mound in a key spot in October and see Hoffman's hulking 6-foot-5 presence.

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