SAN DIEGO -- Trevor Hoffman, the career saves leader in Major League Baseball, filed for free agency Saturday, though that doesn't mean the 41-year-old is headed elsewhere.

Hoffman, who turned 41 this month, was offered a contract by the Padres in the past two weeks, though as of last week, general manager Kevin Towers had yet to hear back from Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman.

Last month, Towers and Hoffman talked briefly about the reliever's future, and Hoffman stated his interest in returning. Towers has said in the past month he would like Hoffman to return as well.

Hoffman, who has 554 career saves, made $7.5 million last season. It's not known what type of contract the team will offer Hoffman, though a one-year deal with incentives and a club option might be in the ballpark.

After a rough start to the season, Hoffman finished strong. He converted 30 saves in 34 opportunities in 2008, which was the final year of a three-year, $21 million deal.

It was the 13th time Hoffman saved at least 30 games, extending his own Major League record.

"Well, I think I have more than one [season left]," Hoffman told MLB.com last month. "My body feels good. My arm feels a heck of a lot better than it has the last few years. The competitive juices are still there."