Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Sep 21, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Los Angeles Angels

It feels like the obvious answer when questioning who would potentially overpay for a free agent pitcher would be the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels are a team interested in winning now, they are never afraid to spend money, and do they ever need a pitcher.

This is a team that on paper, when healthy may have some type of solid pitching staff. However, it seems like their young and talented arms will never be healthy and active at the same time.

Garrett Richards is the ace of the staff, but by all indications, he will not be ready for the start of the season. He is dealing with an elbow tear but elected to forego Tommy John surgery, as it would have ended most of his 2017 campaign.

Speaking of Tommy John, two young pitchers, Nick Tropeano and Andrew Heaney will be missing most of this season as they recover from the procedure. Tyler Skaggs is a 25-year old former big name prospect, that you guessed it once had Tommy John surgery. Skaggs is recovered and came back to pitch in the 2016 season. However, that resulted in just 49 innings and an ERA over four.

Matt Shoemaker, Ricky Nolasco, and Jesse Chavez fill out the rotation, but there is little upside there, and Chavez is most likely better off as a bullpen arm. The need to add another  arm with potential upside is obvious here.

Next: Best Starting Pitchers in MLB History

The Angels have been a team that will never be scared of spending to win now. With Mike Trout and Albert Pujols on the roster the window will never be more open, but the roster is ways away. Adding Nova would at the least be a start, and would provide depth in arms that they currently do not have. It feels like a great fit and is the most likely home for Ivan Nova this offseason.

Home/MLB Free Agency