5 Cincinnati Reds who will outperform their 2022 ZiPS projections

4. Jeff Hoffman, Cincinnati Reds reliever

I am on the Jeff Hoffman bandwagon. The right-hander wasn't cut out to be part of the Cincinnati Reds rotation last season, but after returning form the injured list, the coaching staff moved Hoffman to the bullpen. That may have saved Hoffman's Reds' career, and may pay dividends for Cincinnati in 2022.

The bullpen was a disaster last season, and with Tejay Antone out heading into the 2022 season, there seems to be a lot of questions marks once again. But the relief corps looks better equipped to handle the rigors of the upcoming season, and I think Hoffman could be key to keeping things in check.

As a starter last season, Hoffman posted a 5.20 ERA and recorded 39 strikeouts over 45 innings of work. As a reliever, the 29-year-old punched out 40 batters over 28 innings and put up a 3.54 ERA. Hoffman also fared much better against right-handed hitters, surrendering only four his 15 doubles allowed and five of his 12 home runs versus right-handed bats.

Coming on in relief gives David Bell better control of who Jeff Hoffman will be going up against. Hoffman's time as a starter also gives the Cincinnati manager the ability to count on the right-hander for more than one inning of work.

ZiPS projects Hoffman to post a 4.50 ERA over 62 innings in 2022 while striking out 77 batters. I think the 28% strikeout-rate is a bit low, and if Hoffman can keep the free passes down, that ERA could be drastically lower than FanGraphs is projecting.