It’s not the blockbuster many were waiting for, but the MLB hot stove began to warm up Tuesday with the trade of a pitcher.
Former Yankees starter Ivan Nova was dealt from the Pirates to the White Sox, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed. The Pirates are expected to receive a young pitcher and international slot money in return, according to Fancred.
Nova, entering the final year of his contract and set to earn $9.1 million, went 9-9 with a 4.19 ERA over 161 innings in Pittsburgh last season. He had been with the Pirates since 2016, when the Yankees traded him for minor leaguers Tito Polo and Stephen Tarpley.
The White Sox were in need of an innings eater with the rest of their rotation set to be filled by young starters like Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Covey. Veteran James Shields played that role last year but is now a free agent.