Since bringing in Joe Girardi as manager, the Philadelphia Phillies have acquired a plethora of former New York Yankees, including Didi Gregorius and Ronald Torreyes. Tuesday, they added another name to that list.
The Phillies announced Tuesday that they have signed Iván Nova to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Nova’s deal will be worth $1.5 million should he be added to the major league roster.
Nova struggled mightily in 2020. In only four starts with the Detroit Tigers, he posted a 8.53 ERA. However, from 2016 to 2019, Nova had a 4.31 ERA while making 120 starts with the Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox.
The 11-year veteran has had some impressive seasons in his career. In 2011, Nova received American League Rookie of the Year votes and started a playoff game against Detroit. He also posted a 3.10 ERA in 2013 with the Yankees.
Nova utilizes a three-pitch mix. He relies heavily on a 92-mph fastball and features a curveball and change-up as well.
Nova is the first major league-caliber starter the Phillies have signed thus far in the 2021 offseason. Even if he doesn’t edge out Vince Velasquez to be the fifth starter to open the season, there’s a very real possibility that he could play a factor in the 2021 season without much certainty behind the trio of Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Zach Eflin.
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