J.J. Hoover (RP, CIN) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deep Leagues

OWNED IN: 4% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: After a few years of ups and downs, J.J. Hoover seems to have really found his rhythm. So far this season Hoover has a 5-0 record, one save, six holds, a 1.53 ERA, a 2.97 FIP, a 0.991 WHIP, and a fantastic ERA+ of 253 (ERA adjusted to player's ballpark). This shift in performance comes in part from Hoover lowering his HR% from 4.7% to 0.0% and his XBH% from 9.1% to 3.6%. Much of this drop off in damage can be attributed to the fact that Hoover is producing many more ground balls in HR friendly Great American Ball Park. Last season when Hoover was struggling with a 4.97 ERA, he had a GB/FB ratio of 0.38 and a GO/FO ratio of 0.40. This season Hoover has a GB/FB ratio of 1.09 and a GO/FO ratio of 1.11.

Hoover is valuable in several pitching categories right now. With the Reds so actively shopping Aroldis Chapman, Hoover could be next in line to become the closer in Cincinnati. If you are in a holds league and also need help in ERA and WHIP, Hoover is your guy now. If Aroldis Chapman is traded, Hoover is everyone's guy.