DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with righthanded pitcher Iván Nova on a one-year Major League contract.
“Heading into the offseason we knew that adding veteran depth to our starting rotation was important, and Iván fits that need while also providing strong leadership in the clubhouse,” said Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “Iván has a proven track record of reliability, throwing at least 160 innings in each of the last four seasons, and often puts his club in a position to win when he’s on the mound.”
Nova, 33, made a team-high 34 starts in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox, posting an 11-12 record with a 4.72 ERA (187.0IP/98ER) and 114 strikeouts. Nova led the Majors with 30 double plays induced, while he was tied for the American League lead in games started, tied for third with two complete games and 10th with 187.0 innings pitched. After going 4-7 with a 5.58 ERA (100.0IP/62ER) and 66 strikeouts in 18 starts prior to the All-Star break, Nova finished the season strong, compiling a 7-5 record with a 3.72 ERA (87.0IP/36ER) and 48 strikeouts in 16 starts in the second half.
“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.”
Originally signed by the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in 2004, the San Cristobal, DR native has played parts of 10 seasons in the Major Leagues, posting an 89-76 record with one save, a 4.32 ERA (1328.2IP/638ER) and 954 strikeouts in 236 appearances, including 223 starts. He has thrown at least 160.0 innings in four consecutive seasons, and has allowed just 1.89 walks per 9.0 innings during that span, which is the fourth-lowest total in all of baseball. Nova is one of only three pitchers to throw at least 160.0 innings and allow less than 50 walks in each of the last four seasons, joining Mike Leake and Rick Porcello. Nova was named the American League Pitcher of the Month in August, 2013 with the Yankees, while he was selected the National League Pitcher of the Month in April, 2017 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
To make room for Nova on the 40-man roster, lefthanded pitcher Matt Hall has been designated for assignment.
