Trevor Hoffman, Padres icon and Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader, is the newest member of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Josh Goldberg of Beverly Hills Sports Council confirms a deal between Trevor Hoffman and Milwaukee Brewers has been reached. Goldberg says it is a one year contract with no option for a 2nd year and will pay a base salary of $6-million with $1.5-million in reachable incentives.
Goldberg says Hoffman went with the Brewers over the Dodgers because they were "more aggressive" and "made Trevor feel wanted".
Brewers Media Relations Director Mike Vassallo says the team is not commenting on the deal. The Padres are also not commenting. Both sides appear to be waiting for Hoffman to take a physical before they make any official announcements.
Contract talks with the Padres soured in December, and the team pulled its offer of $4 million for 2009 with a club option for $4 million in 2010.
The 41-year-old Hoffman had pitched for the San Diego Padres since 1993, but the team recently withdrew its offer for next season. Hoffman posted 30 saves last season, then became a free agent. The Padres did make a halfhearted effort to keep Hoffy, pulling their low-ball offer several weeks ago.
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The Dodgers had gone hard after Hoffman and were considered to have the advantage of geography because he lives in northern San Diego County. However, the Bucks were rumored to be offering more money, and maybe a second guaranteed year to compensate for the distance. Hoffman's representatives said that he went to Milwaukee because the team pursued the reliever more aggressively and made him feel wanted.
Milwaukee won the NL wild card last year and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Philadelphia. Bolstering the bullpen was a big need for the Brewers this winter -- Salomon Torres, who led the team with 28 saves, retired and reliever Eric Gagne filed for free agency.
Hoffman converted 30 of 34 chances last season, increasing his saves record to 554. He has saved at least 30 games in 13 seasons, another major league record, relying on a wicked change-up.
