Detroit Tigers News: Iván Nova Signs To A One-Year Deal

The veteran right-handed pitcher has pitched 150 innings or more the past three seasons.

Al Avila continues a rather busy past few weeks. The Tigers GM went ahead and signed the veteran the Tigers need for the back of the rotation by signing RHP Iván Nova to a one year deal. Jon Heyman first reported the deal on Twitter. Nova in a press release by the Detroit Tigers was very excited to join the club.

“I’ve had the opportunity to play for some historic organizations during my professional career, and joining the Tigers adds to that list in a big way,” said Nova. “This is a very exciting day for me, and I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and coaches and working with them to bring winning baseball to the great fans here in Detroit.”

While he did led the league in hits allowed in 2019, Nova does not walk anyone as he posted a 5.8% last year and for his career, 5.3%. His pitch mix includes a sinker, four-seam fastball, curveball, change-up, and a cutter.  He threw his sinker about 36% of the time that averaged about 92.3 MPH last season. His 11 quality starts last year would have been 2nd on the team behind Matthew Boyd. Between Jordan Zimmermann, Tyler Alexander, Tyson Ross, Edwin Jackson, and Ryan Carpenter, they had 11 combined. Nova provides a dependable starter who has at least 25 starts or more the past 3 seasons.  I was a fan of what Kenon Carter of the Tigers Minor League Tracker said because it sums up about right about the Nova signing.

To make room for Ivan Nova, the Tigers designated lefty Matt Hall for assignment.  Hall was drafted in the 5th round in the 2015 draft.  Beau Burrows, Tyler Alexander, and Christin Stewart were also a part of the same draft. Alexander and Soto can continue to give the lefty punch the Tigers will need in 2020.