25
2013
Jamie Hoffmann: Mets Outfielder?
An article by 
This is Jamie Hoffmann. You don’t know who he is. That might change this year. (Photo courtesy of MLB.com)
On Sunday, in the top of the second inning of a Spring Training game against the Houston Astros, Jamie Hoffmann hit a solo home run to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. Hoffmann, who was starting the game in left field, is one of the handful of “throw up against a wall and hope it sticks” outfielders that the Mets have brought in to compete for a spot in the team’s outfield this season.
Terry Collins mentioned him in his first press conference of the year as someone who he was interested to get a look at. But who exactly is Jamie Hoffmann? More importantly, is he one of the guys who might actually stick to the wall?
Hoffman is a former Dodgers prospect who has been toiling in the Minor Leagues since 2006. He had a brief cup of coffee with Los Angeles in 2009 and 2011, but spent last season in the Baltimore Orioles system, playing for the Norfolk Tides (AAA). While his Minor League stats won’t “wow” anybody, Hoffmann did manage to hit 11 home runs in 110 games last year. Though he hit only .254, his on-base percentage was a respectable .347. Also, Hoffmann posted a .341 wOBA (Weighted On Base Average) and 111 wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created per plate appearance), according to Fangraphs.
In 2011, while playing for AAA Albuquerque (Dodgers), Hoffmann slugged 22 home runs in 133 games, while batting .295 with an .850 OPS, .367 wOBA, and 107 wRC+ (also according to Fangraphs). These numbers were posted in the Pacific Coast League and are most likely inflated, but there are signs there that he can be a productive bottom of the order power bat.
Reliever Scott Rice, and outfielders Andrew Brown and Jamie Hoffmann look on as the Mets play the Nationals in Grapefruit League action. (US Presswire)
At 28, he’s too old to be considered a prospect anymore, but that’s not to say he can’t make it as a big leaguer. The Dodgers had another player in their farm system who just got his first last year: 31-year-old A.J. Ellis. All Ellis did was post a .373 OBP, .341 wOBA and 118 wRC+ in 130 games, good for a 4.1 WAR (Again, from Fangraphs).
While he may not be the answer everybody is expecting. He should have a good chance to open some eyes this spring. Not only do the Mets need outfielders, they need right-handed hitting power hitters, which is what Hoffmann is. One thing is for sure, he is going to get an opportunity.
About the Author: Adam Rossi
I graduated from Siena College in 2008 with a BA in English and a minor in Writing. I was brainwashed at birth by my grandfather to become a Mets fan, and have been following the team since my youth. While they've driven me mad over the years, I still do my best to try to keep things in perspective. Follow me on Twitter: @aj16ross
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 22 | 18 | .550 | - |
| Nationals | 22 | 19 | .537 | 0.5 |
| Phillies | 19 | 22 | .463 | 3.5 |
| Mets | 15 | 23 | .395 | 6.0 |
| Marlins | 11 | 30 | .268 | 11.5 |
Last updated: 05/17/2013
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I think all three of Cowgill, Brown and Hoffman are intriguing. To me there’s enough upside in these three to think the Mets will hit with one of these and find a long-term or at least semi-long term solution.
Hoffman is the forgotten piece of spaghetti it seems right now.
Great point Adam. Right now I’m not counting anyone out of the race, and the least much Hoffmann. I’m also tired of hearing that Lucas Duda is a lock, players like him should never be a lock for anything.
The caption says it all for me – you’re right…never heard of him before we picked him up.
Whether he makes the team or not, it’s too early to tell.
He looks like a young righty version of Mark McGuire. I had a good impression of him at the Astro-Met game yesterday.
McGwire was right handed also.
I should have known that. Thanks.
I didn’t realize he was so big. Listed at 6’3 235 and isn’t slow either. Either that or he runs the bases well, has averaged about 15-20 SB a year in the minors.
Maybe we get lucky. Surely the Mets are due for some luck sooner or later.
The only positive thing I can say about this OF is that Sandy did bring in guys who could work in a platoon as their numbers all show stark platoon splits.
Hoffman, Cowgill, Brown and Byrd all crushed LHP last season so if it can be translated to the MLB level, there is at least some chance of success.
That shouldn’t get him off the hook for assembling an OF that is terrible on paper, but there is at least some reasonable methodology there.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Jaime the past few years as he spends his off-seasons back here in Minnesota with his family and his good friends, who are Jaime’s biggest fans and supporters. The Mets should be so lucky to have this guy on their squad he is a phenomenal athlete, he was actually drafted to play pro-hockey but chose baseball, and he has been waiting patiently for his opportunity to play in the bigs. Jaime’s got size, speed and power not to mention a cannon for an arm and is a person of great character. Should New York give him the opportunity, he will open alot of peoples eyes this year.