J.J. Hoover traded to the Reds for Juan Francisco

by auclairkeithbc on Apr 1, 2026 12:19 PM EDT

Interesting trade. Seems like John's boy J.J. Hoover is going to have a chance to develop as a starter in Cincinnati, but I guess we can't say for certain. What do people think of his chances to start? Might he even get a look this season in the rotation?

Obviously if people want to talk about Juan Francisco's role with the Braves, that is cool too. I am mainly interested in Hoover who seemed destined to be underutilized in Atlanta.

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Read More: J.J. Hoover (P - CIN), Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves

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As a Braves fan, having seen Hoover a couple of times

His stuff is not that great, 3 average pitches, but he knows how to use them. He could definitely be up by midseason if the Reds starters are struggling. Probably the ceiling of a 4 starter, but could be an effective innings eater or a 7th inning guy.

Juan Francisco has certainly shown flashes, it remains to be seen if Prado gets the starts at 3rd when Chipper’s injured with a Diaz/Hinske platoon in left, in which case Francisco is just bench depth, or if Francisco will get those starts at 3rd. If the latter, then I think he’ll thrive in his first time to start fulltime, if the former, it may hinder his development.

Atlanta sports have singlehandedly crushed my soul.

by Beachy Keen on Apr 1, 2026 12:40 PM EDT reply actions

3 average major league pitches?

That is pretty decent.

by auclairkeithbc on Apr 1, 2026 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

True, I'm really more impressed with his polish than his stuff

That was the point I was trying to make. I think he’s got a good shot to succeed with an organization that has room for him.

Atlanta sports have singlehandedly crushed my soul.

by Beachy Keen on Apr 1, 2026 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Terdo

Well I was hoping that Joey Terdoslavich was being groomed in the minors to take over the 3B job in ATL next year. Would the signing of Francisco suggest that Terdo is not the Bravos long term answer at 3B?

The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Apr 1, 2026 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

From what I hear, his 3B defense is spotty

Very limited range and weak arm. They’ve tried him at corner outfield but it looks like he’s confined to 1B. He can definitely rake, setting a new record for doubles last year in High A, but he may be blocked by Freeman for the time being.

Atlanta sports have singlehandedly crushed my soul.

by Beachy Keen on Apr 1, 2026 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure where you read that

Francisco has one of the stronger arms at 3B in all the minors, he just doesn’t have good range.

by Jay212033 on Apr 1, 2026 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry you were talking bout Terdo. He looked pretty good in ST over at 3B and his arm looked just fine.

by Jay212033 on Apr 1, 2026 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

competition

never hurt anyone. Its not like Joey T is an elite prospect and a sure thing. Having two guys battle it out after Chipper retires would be a good thing, and besides, from what I’ve read both are probably stopgaps for the Edward Saulcedo kid coming up

by ScottAZ on Apr 2, 2026 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Not a starter

I can’t see him getting a shot as a starter. The Reds are already 6 deep right now and might send Mike Leake to the minors simply out of no one else having options. Toss in that Daniel Corcino is starting the year in AA and Jeff Francis is likely going to be with the team either in the Reds bullpen or the AAA rotation and at best, Hoover would be the 8th starter option to begin the season.

Then of course is that Dusty Baker referred to him coming back in the trade as bullpen help they might need down the line.

www.redsminorleagues.com

by dougdirt on Apr 1, 2026 1:27 PM EDT reply actions