The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Ivan Nova to the Chicago White Sox.
The Pirates will be receiving Yordi Rosario and $500,000 worth of international slot money from the White Sox in the deal. The deal was completed on Tuesday afternoon, waking up Pirates fans from an otherwise quiet off-season.
Nova came to the Pirates at the deadline of the 2016 season as another reclamation project for Ray Searage. Once again, Searage was successful as Nova posted a 3.06 ERA and three complete games in just half a season with the Pirates.
As Nova was able to get his career back on track in Pittsburgh, he earned himself a three-year deal worth $26 million after the 2016 season.
Nova was consistently average during his two full seasons in Pittsburgh in 2017 and 2018. He had a 4.14 and 4.19 ERA in both years to go along with a 1.278 and 1.280 WHIP.
Nova helped provide a veteran presence for young Pirates pitchers as well as helped in their development. However, Nova is owed just over $9 million in 2019.
Too much money launched the trade
With Nova slated to be the five starter this season that is simply too much money.
At the end of the day this trade is largely viewed as a salary dump for the Pirates. However, they did receive a young right hander in the deal.
Yordi Rosario is a 19-year-old prospect from the Dominican Republic. He spent last season in both the Dominican Spring League and Arizona League. He played in 14 games, starting 11 of them. Rosario achieved success in both leagues with a 2.57 ERA 1.13 WHIP and 70 strike outs in 56 innings of work.
For Pirates fans, this is a move that may signal another one on the way. Nova accounted for just over 16 percent of the Pirates current payroll.
By removing the dead weight of Nova the Pirates have made even more room to fill holes in the infield and bullpen.
PHOTO: Ivan Nova throws a pitch during a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Photo courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports.
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