The Pirates are “aggressively trying” to come to agreement with righty Ivan Nova on an extension that would keep him out of free agency, according to Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter links). We learned recently that Pittsburgh had opened dialogue with the 29-year-old.
Things do not seem to be progressing quite as smoothly as the Bucs might have hoped, though. Agent Greg Genske confirms that there have been “multiple offers” and says that “there is mutual interest,” but also made clear that “no agreement is imminent.”
Though Genske did not address his client’s asking price, prior reports put it at five years and $70MM. It remains hard to imagine the Pirates going near that amount, but the fact that discussions remain open certainly suggests that they put a high value on their most recent reclamation project. The report suggests that the organization is mindful of a weak upcoming market for pitching.
Nova has undeniably been spectacular since coming to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline — even as the organization sold some veteran pieces. His 2.93 ERA over 55 1/3 innings doesn’t really tell the true story. Nova has permitted only three walks in that span while picking up 45 strikeouts, meaning that he carries an outstanding 15.0 K/BB ratio.
With perhaps only a pair of starts to go before he’ll reach the open market, Nova doesn’t have a ton of risk at this point. A few duds could put a damper on his market, as could any kind of injury, but it isn’t as if he’s facing a full season at this point. And the Bucs can’t slap a qualifying offer on him, limiting the team’s leverage. All told, it would be surprising to see a deal come together, as there’s little downside and plenty of upside in testing the market in this case.
They should instead sign Ray Searage to a 50 year deal for $500M because that man is a miracle worker.
Orr Nova always had his stuff, but when he was with the Yankees( pitching in the small park al east) it didn’t work. But with the weaker and bigger ballparks it works.
Yes, because if there’s a defining trait of the NL Central ballparks, it’s that they’re expansive and not homer-happy.
True, Cincinnati is one of the smallest parks I. The league
I understand, obviously, that Nova has little incentive to sign before free agency. However, he has said on many occasions that he loves Pittsburgh. Sure, nearly every player says that about the team/city they play for. But it’s important to note that, as Jeff said, Nova has had this rapid reclamation only since joining the Pirates. And he absolutely could give a discount to the Pirates for that very reason. There have been mixed results with successful Pirates reclamation projects moving on to other organizations.
Happ has been a resounding success for Toronto in year one. Volquez was huge for KC in his first year there last season, but has completely fallen off this year.
Neil Huntington and company surely don’t want to let Nova slip away. For this deal to get done, Nova will have to give some sort of “hometown discount,” and Huntington will have to go beyond his (ownership’s) comfort zone.
The shelf life suggests that in this weak FA market this could be his his one big payday. Can’t fault him for not giving to much of a discount.
Oh definitely cannot fault him, not at all. Was just saying I could see him possibly doing it.
Also, see: David Freese.
Signed a ridiculously team-friendly extension in a contract year.
Well true, but he can appreciate how deep a position 3rd base is and how difficult it was for him last year to get a job. Such difficulties would not present themselves for Nova especially without a QO. You can never have to much pitching. And he positioned himself in the top 5-10 range.
What you said is true, but he can also play quality first base as well. Pirates played him there a lot this year.
The problem still remains that he provides steady number just none that would carry a team. His power numbers don’t justify a move in monetary value at 1st. He is a good glue guy, but his team friendly contract is reflective of his production at a non premier position.
Your post makes it seem even less likely, imo, that he’d sign an extension.
There is absolutely no reason, at least from Nova’s perspective, for him to take an extension at this point.
Nova wants max $$$$$$. That is not what Bucs do.