Chicago White Sox decided to boost their rotation for the 2019 season by acquiring pitcher Ivan Nova from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates will get pitcher Yordi Rosario and international slot money in exchange.
White Sox announced the trade on Tuesday via their official social media accounts.
Welcome to Chicago, @IvanNova47! pic.twitter.com/KVd3OsDesj
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) December 11, 2018
“It doesn’t necessarily preclude us from doing anything else with the rotation, but it was important for us to find some sort of veteran presence as we entered later in the offseason,” – said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. “As we entered this offseason he was on the list of guys that could fit this role. This was an important get as far as stabilizing the rotation.“
Ivan Nova started his career in MLB with the New York Yankees in 2010 and played six and a half seasons there before being traded to Pittsburgh Pirates in August 2016. He was 9-9 in 29 starts with the Pirates last season, managing 4.19 ERA and 114 strikeouts. Nova’s career stats include 78–64 record, 4.26 ERA and 840 strikeouts.
Nova’s addition might prove to be especially valuable for Chicago since they previously lost starter Michael Kopech for the upcoming season. Kopech had a Tommy John surgery in September and won’t be able to play until 2020.
