Chevis Hoover Could Surprise a Few People: Miami Marlins on the Rise

Throughout the 2018/2019 offseason, Marlin Maniac will devote one article each for every player who appeared in the Miami Marlins system for the 2018 season. Every. Single. Player. This is Part 158 of 286. For the first 100, click here.

Chevis Kane Hoover didn’t play anywhere for the Miami Marlins in 2017. After reemerging in 2018, he struck out 12 in only 9 1/3 innings for the Batavia Muckdogs.

Hoover is a 6’3″, 240 lb. right-handed pitcher from Tullahoma, Tennessee. Tullahoma has produced five major leaguers since 1940, including former Miami Marlins pitcher Bryan Morris.

Born on October 18th, 1993, Hoover went to four different colleges before getting into professional ball. He attended Tennessee Wesleyan, then played ball for Volunteer State, Lee University, and finally Motlow State Community College.

After that was selected in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft by the Miami Marlins. Chosen with the 953rd overall selection, Hoover would join Hunter Renfroe (2010, Boston Red Sox, 3.7 career WAR) as the only players to progress to the majors after being picked at that spot. You can follow Hoover on Twitter @ChevisHoover.

After coming to terms with the Miami Marlins, Hoover joined the short-season-A Muckdogs in the New York-Penn League on June 24th. He played in seven games, all in relief, and allowed 11 hits and three runs in 11 innings. He struck out 10, registered a 1.45 WHIP and a 2.45 ERA. On August 14th, he went on the disabled list, and really wasn’t heard from again for nearly two years.

More from Marlins Prospects

• Miami Marlins: Checking in on prospects from the 2022 Arizona Fall League
• Miami Marlins: How top 2022 MLB Draft picks performed this season
• What’s wrong with Kahlil Watson?
• Miami Marlins: Farm System rankings part 2
• Miami Marlins: Farm System rankings part 1

After his recovery, Hoover joined the rookie-level GCL Marlins, in the Florida-based Gulf Coast League in August of this season. He allowed only three runs in 9 1/3 innings, with a dozen strikeouts and only five hits allowed. In his first appearance, on July 23rd, he pitched a perfect sixth inning with two strikeouts in a 4-2 victory against the GCL Nationals. On August 10th, he threw a pair of hitless and walkless innings in a 6-0 victory against the GCL Astros, striking out two.

Hoover still has a long way to the major leagues, and is already 25-years-old. Still, his stuff seems to play well. A rapid ascent is not out of the question. With a nod to his superior stats (in a small sample size) and his advanced age, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him begin his 2019 season with the Jupiter Hammerheads, in the high-A Florida State League.

Thanks for reading. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our daily newsletter to keep up with the Miami Marlins.