Colorado Rockies Free Agent Pitching Target: Ivan Nova

The Colorado Rockies seem very interested in acquiring additional starting pitching. Within the past week, the Rockies have been linked to potential trades involving the Toronto Blue Jays (see the rumored trade here) and Baltimore Orioles (see the rumored trade here). Both involved the Rockies dealing an outfielder in exchange for a starting pitcher.

If the Rockies are looking for another starting pitcher to join Jon Gray, Tyler Anderson, Tyler Chatwood and Chad Bettis in the rotation, perhaps Ivan Nova would be a fit in Denver.

He’s been called the best free agent pitcher left on the market so it’s no surprise that the Rockies are just one team that would be a fit for Nova. Per this FanRag Sports article, the Rockies could be a landing spot for the right-hander who pitched for both the Yankees and Pirates last season.

Nova’s time with Pittsburgh last season was the only time that he has pitched in the National League. However, he made quite the impression in his short time, going 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA in 11 starts for the Pirates. That includes three complete games.

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The Rockies saw him twice last season before he left the Yankees for the Pirates and stung him both times. In nine innings against the Rockies last season, Nova surrendered 18 hits and 10 earned runs. He took the loss both in both outings.

Pittsburgh is still interested in bringing Nova back, and the free agent already reportedly has multiple offers for his services.

Colorado has reportedly signed Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70 million contract. The Rockies have also made it clear through recent discussions they are interested in bolstering their rotation. But are they willing to spend more money on a starter? Nova has been rumored to have contracts in the three-year, $36 million range on the table. However, he’s been projected to earn up to $52 million over four years so he’s certainly weighing his options.

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The Rockies bullpen still needs some work and Colorado reportedly remains in the hunt for Mike Dunn and Brad Ziegler. However, if Colorado is looking for a starter and would rather go the free agent route than orchestrating a trade, Nova would be a possibility … if they’re willing to spend some big dollars.