Chase Hoover is UCSB’s late-inning lefty weapon with Big West upside
In the 2026 season, Chase Hoover emerged as a trusted bullpen piece for UC Santa Barbara, earning All-Big West Second Team honors after handling high-leverage work and piling up 29 strikeouts in 22.2 innings with a 3.18 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. He’s a local kid from Santa Barbara who attacks with poise, can miss bats, and has already shown he can protect slim leads in pressure spots. If you want a composed left-handed reliever who brings experience, swing-and-miss stuff, and hometown toughness, he’s absolutely worth a look.
