After his MLB career, he played three seasons for the Orix BlueWave in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 1989 until 1991 Hoffman signed with the Chicago White Sox as an undrafted amateur free agent on July 17, 1978.

Hoffman was part of a well stocked pitching staff that included prospects like Britt Burns and LaMarr Hoyt.

The next season, Hoffman was promoted to the Iowa Oaks, a team well stocked as well with future major league talent like Harold Baines, Kevin Bell, Rusty Kuntz, Marv Foley, and Thad Bosley.

Coming on in relief of starting pitcher Ross Baumgarten, Hoffman pitched two innings, giving up one hit, walking two, and striking out one in Chicago's 16–4 win over the Cleveland Indians.

In his first full inning of work, Hoffman struck out Toby Harrah, allowed a hit to Cliff Johnson, then retired Gary Alexander and later, Dave Rosello to leave Kuiper stranded.

[3] However, the major league experience proved to be a wake-up call for Hoffman, who went 0–5, earning the first losses of his professional career.