Chicago White Sox: Ivan Nova open to a return next season
Ivan Nova wants to return to the Chicago White Sox next year. That move could make sense for both sides.
The 2019 campaign has essentially been a tale of two seasons for Ivan Nova. The Chicago White Sox righty had a rough stretch to begin the season, with a miserable 4-9 record, along with a 5.68 ERA and a 1.572 WHiP, with just five quality starts in his first 20 games. With free agency coming up at the end of the season, Nova appeared as though he may struggle to find an opportunity.
Instead, Nova has flipped the switch. It may be a small sample size of five starts, but Nova has suddenly become one of the hottest pitchers in the game. Over his last 37 innings, Nova has allowed a total of five runs, only two of which have been earned, on 20 hits and six walks. He has thrown two complete games, including a surprising four hit effort against the Astros.
Although this recent stretch may have improved his stock in free agency, Nova may not want to test the market. He is open to a return to the White Sox, and may even prefer remaining in Chicago to testing free agency.
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For the White Sox, such a move could make sense. In theory, the top three spots of the rotation will be taken by Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, and Dylan Cease. Carlos Rodon will miss the entire 2020 campaign, and Reynaldo Lopez has been inconsistent at best. Chicago could certainly use a dependable veteran arm in the back of the rotation.
Nova has been just that over his career. While he is not the type of pitcher that will make a team an instant contender, he is the perfect option to fill out a rotation. Overall, he has posted a 4.29 ERA and a 1.340 WHiP over his 1289.1 major league innings, serving as an essentially league average starter.
He would also provide a proven quantity for the White Sox. While Giolito has looked like the ace he was projected to develop into, it has just been one season. Kopech will be returning from Tommy Joh surgery, and Cease has not yet found success at the major league level. Although Nova isn’t a star, he could be a valuable pitcher. And, he could come at a discount, based on his overall performance this season.
dark. Next. Escobar displeased with White Sox management
If Ivan Nova finishes out the season strongly, his price tag may only go up. For the Chicago White Sox, that price would be worth pursuing a reunion.