New York Yankees Are Willing To Trade Ivan Nova: Should They Be?

By Caleb Gebrewold | Nov 25, 2015

Seemingly every winter, the New York Yankees are in the center of baseball’s rumor mill, and we have already seen the team make two trades, while many other players have seen their name pop up on the rumor mill. The latest victim is Ivan Nova, who, as I reported in August, ignores trade rumors.

Earlier today, Joel Sherman reported that Nova, who will be a free agent following the season, could be shipped off as part of a package for a starting pitcher under team control beyond 2016. Although Nova struggled in 2015, returning from Tommy John surgery, he will only be due about $4.5 million in 2015, and could improve significantly in 2016, as he will be another year removed from his 2014 surgery.

If the Yankees are unable to move Nova, they will hope that he can rebound from a tough 2015. Nova was strong for the Yankees in the years leading up to his surgery, and there is a strong chance he can be that pitcher again. From 2011-2013, Nova pitched to a 4.00 ERA, including a 3.10 ERA in 2013, while also compiling a 37-18 record.

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The Yankees desire to acquire a starting pitcher who is still arbitration-eligible, rather than chasing one of the big-name free agents, further shows that they are looking to cut costs. With seven starting pitchers already competing for five rotation spots, the Yankees will likely ship out at least one pitcher if they are able to acquire another starter, whether it is via trade or free agency.

While Nova is a player I like, as are most homegrown players, it’s hard to find a situation where he isn’t the odd man out. CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka, and Luis Severino aren’t going anywhere, for different reasons, while Adam Warren‘s versatility, and the potential of Michael Pineda and Nathan Eovaldi make them less likely to be shipped out than Nova.

Would trading Nova be the right decision? In baseball, you can never have too much starting pitching, as it is very unlikely in today’s game, especially with the Yankees durability issues, that all five starters last the full season. Having a pitcher like Nova waiting in the wings always helps the organization, but if adding Nova to a package brings in an ace, then it is a move that the Yankees must make.

Hearing names like Nova and Brett Gardner pop up in the rumor mill isn’t what Yankees fans wants, as they are homegrown players, who have contributed in previous years, but unfortunately, the Yankees don’t have much major-league ready talent with any value, and the players that do have value are too valuable to the organization.

What do you think Yankees fans? Should the Yankees look to deal Nova? If so, under what circumstances, and what return would you expect? Let us know in the comments below.

Next: Should The New York Yankees Inquire About Jose Fernandez?

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