Washington Should Sign J.J. Hoover

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According to the most recent Baseball America “Minor League Transactions” column, former Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever J.J. Hoover has elected free agency after being outrighted from the 40-man roster in August.  A long-time personal favorite since scouting him in college, I believe the Washington Nationals should immediately attempt to sign Hoover to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Hoover entered the year as one of the favorites to act as the closer for Cincinnati, but unfortunately his season started poorly and he never recovered, allowing 29 runs, 29 hits and 12 walks in only 18.2 innings pitched before being demoted.  Prior to 2016, Hoover had been one of the more reliable relievers in baseball, posting four consecutive solid seasons for Cincinnati.  For his 5-year major league career, the 29-year-old Hoover owns a 4.12 ERA, 4.37 xFIP, and a 1.263 WHIP, with an impressive 8.9 K/9 ratio against a 4.2 BB/9.

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Finally, Hoover has spent his entire career with Cincinnati, pitching in their hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, which has contributed to his elevated his 1.4 Home Runs Allowed per 9 innings ratio.  As evidence, Hoover has allowed 25 career home runs at home in 137 innings verses 12 homers in 105.1 innings on the road – perhaps a change of scenery and a friendlier home park for pitchers could help rectify this issue.

In conclusion, while I certainly understand why Cincinnati decided to outright Hoover from their roster, I believe he represents an intriguing, no-risk gamble this offseason for the right club.  If he was truly injured or if he simply needs to recapture his previously higher arm slot, relievers with a career 8.9 K/9 ratio and a track record of success are rarely available on a potential minor league deal.  Washington’s front office should quickly seize this opportunity and see if a change of scenery can help J.J. Hoover return to his previous form.

2 thoughts on “Washington Should Sign J.J. Hoover

  1. Another dusty dude to swing into DC
    Hoover .
    The minor league free agent signees this
    Winter will probably include Cuse reliever
    Depth and a couple RH batting OFs
    To summer at AAÀ/AA.
    This depends on the maturation rate for
    Robles and Carey .
    And if the Woo-woo kid returns : John Wooten

    • BA transactions recently said reds
      Resigned Hoover

      I love learning from baseball player
      Obits
      I never knew Orioles originally had
      Big lefty McCormick before he was shipped with Stu Miller to city by the bay for late RIP catcher Oquino
      I will have to google who was schrewd giant GM
      Very cool if Carter Kieboom could pick up switch hitting
      Very possible cool GCL nats 17 squad if brass pushes bonus baby Infielders and Franklin Sierra!

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