An Update On Ivan Nova

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired starting pitcher Ivan Nova from the New York Yankees at the trade deadline. Now, the ex-Pirate is a free agent looking to cash in.

This offseason the Pittsburgh Pirates need to add two starting pitchers. One of these starting pitchers could be someone who pitched for the Pirates in 2016. That pitcher is Ivan Nova.

Ivan Nova is a free agent. This comes on the heels of him having the two best months of his career over the course of the final two months of the 2016 season. These two months, of course, were pitched as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After his two impressive months as a Pirate, the Bucs attempted to re-sign Ivan Nova before the end of the season. However, it was to no avail. And due to this Nova became a free agent at the end of the season.

The free agent starting pitching class this offseason is very weak. Due to this Nova is one of the best starting pitchers on the market. This should lead to him getting paid very well this offseason.

Well, according to MLB Trade Rumors, Nova has already received multiple contract offers this offseason. According to Nova’s agent Greg Genske Nova has received multiple offers in the range of three-year, 36 million dolalrs this offseason. Personally, I think this is about right for Nova.

While Nova has great control and is a good ground ball pitcher, he allows far too much hard contact. Furthermore, while he did not allow many home runs as a Pirate, for his career, the long ball has always been an issue. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to sign Nova to a contract any bigger than this.

Next: Pirates Looking For A Veteran Starting Pitcher

If the price was right I would not object to the Pirates re-signing Ivan Nova. However, I would not overpay for him. I would not overpay for any player, but especially Nova. I would have no problems giving him 36 million dollars over three years, however, I would go no higher.