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MLB Free Agency 2017: Five potential teams for Ivan Nova

By Parker Hurley

Sep 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Ivan Nova (46) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Ivan Nova (46) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Marlins designated hitter Martin Prado (14) hits an RBI single during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Marlins designated hitter Martin Prado (14) hits an RBI single during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Miami Marlins

The tragic events of the Jose Fernandez death, unfortunately, bring baseball implications as well. It set the Marlins pitching staff back in a big way. He was the clear-cut top ace and they really were a team that needed a second guy, as there was a big drop-off from Fernandez.

Therefore, if any  team has to take a shot on a pitcher like Nova, it could be the Marlins. When looking at the Marlins five-man rotation, he could arguably be as good as any pitcher in there. They would have to look at the depth that Nova brings, and the upside that the Pirates may have turned him into something that it could be worth the gamble.

The Marlins are typically a smaller budget team, but they do go out and acquire and spend when they feel that the time is right. Looking at the lineup that they are bringing into 2017, it could be a prime window to compete. Their outfield will arguably be the best in the MLB, and with Dee Gordon as a leadoff base stealer at second base, they have a young and up and coming core.

They need innings, they need upside, and they need to strike with a lucky find as soon as possible. Nova seems like a good fit to potentially fill that hole for the Marlins.

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