White Sox acquire veteran right-hander Ivan Nova

After an uneventful opening day of the winter meetings at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the White Sox added a starting pitcher through a trade with the Pirates.

The White Sox on Tuesday acquired right-hander Ivan Nova from the Pirates for minor-league pitcher Yordi Rosario and international signing bonus pool money.

Nova, 31, who has one season remaining on a $26 million deal, is owed $9.1 million in 2019. He owns a 4.26 ERA over nine seasons and made 31 and 29 starts in each of the last two seasons, pitching to a 4.14 and 4.19 ERA. He was the Pirates’ Opening Day starter in 2018.

The Pirates were looking to shed payroll, and a veteran starting pitcher was on the top of the Sox list of immediate needs this offseason. With young starters Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito and perhaps Dylan Covey in the rotation, the Sox need an innings eater to fill the void left by veteran James Shields, who is a free agent.

“Iván is a quality individual who provides a veteran presence to our starting rotation and has shown the ability to consistently throw strikes,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. “We’re excited what he brings to the organization both on the field and in the clubhouse.”

The Sox have room for another starter as they await the likely in-season arrivals of Minor League Pitcher of the Year Dylan Cease and top pitching prospect Michael Kopech, who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, in 2020. and are also looking to add bullpen help and a catcher.

The Sox 40-man roster is at 38.

This is a developing story. Please check back later for more updates.