Pirates ‘aggressively’ trying to extend Ivan Nova

The Pirates are “aggressively” attempting to extend starter Ivan Nova before the season ends, according to Travis Sawchik of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Nova’s agent told Sawchik there is “mutual interest” in reaching a deal but that the Pirates have made several offers that Nova has declined, according to Sawchik.

Pittsburgh acquired Nova in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline to help it make a playoff run, and Nova has pitched well since joining the rotation. Over 55.1 innings with the Pirates, he’s pitched to a 2.93 ERA and 2.66 FIP.

The Pirates are known for helping struggling pitchers bounce back, with Nova proving to be the latest successful project. Before Nova joined Pittsburgh, he pitched to a 4.90 ERA and 5.08 FIP with the Yankees.

While Nova could accept the Pirates’ most recent offer in the coming days, he could also see what kind of deal he can receive this winter. There aren’t many established and effective starting pitchers on the market, and as a result, Nova might be in a position to maximize his value, even if he re-signs with Pittsburgh on a more valuable deal.