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MLB Free Agency 2017: Top 18 players left on the market

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

9. Ivan Nova, RHP

Nova appears to be the latest in a long line of successful reclamation projects completed by Pittsburgh Pirates pitching sage Ray Searage. In recent years, Searage has completely turned around pitchers like Francisco Liriano, J.A. Happ, A.J. Burnett, and Nova. Prior to the trade deadline last year, Nova had pitched in 21 games for the New York Yankees, posting a 4.90 ERA. After moving to the Pirates, he went 5-2 in 11 starts with a 3.06 ERA.

The most impressive part about Nova’s resurgence in Pittsburgh was his incredible 52:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Helping pitchers find their command has been Searage’s calling card. At the age of 29, Nova may still be able to capitalize on the immense potential he showed during his first three years in the big leagues with the Yankees.

Early in free agency, there was speculation that Nova could land a contract in the neighborhood of the $70-million deal Ian Kennedy got with the Royals last year, but that type of interest has yet to materialize. The Pirates still feel confident that they can retain Nova. That may not be a bad move for either side. While Pittsburgh may have botched their attempt to trade star Andrew McCutchen, their 2017 team has the potential to contend. Re-signing Nova may keep that window to contend open a bit longer, but if things do go south for the Pirates, he may become a very attractive trade chip.

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