Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | HOU | SS | 14 | 40 |
Grades Update: Jan 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 40 | 70 | 50 |
Jan 2021 Report
Evaluator: Matt Thompson
Age: 21 yr
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2016 IFA
RuleV: On 40-Man Roster
Physical Description: Nova originally was supposed to sign with the Marlins for $2.5 million but they backed out after a failed PED test. He then agreed to a deal with Houston for $1.5 million, that was later reduced to $1.2 million after an issue with the physical. It's an extremely projectable frame and he hasn't grown into it yet. Pretty ordinary build now, but will eventually add 20-30 pounds to his frame.
Hit: Starts slightly open and sits on back leg, back knee is flexed a bit as he puts all of his weight behind the swing. Holds his hands away from body and low at the letters. Swaying them back and forth, staying loose. His hands are still positioned in the middle of his body as he starts his swing. Big, waist high leg kick but the hands are moving back and still loading as his front foot comes back down. He then brings hands back and his hips are already opening up before the hands are firing towards the baseball. Overall average or so bat speed but plays down due to the hitch in his swing. Will struggle with velocity unless he makes a change. Very aggressive hitter that has had success despite being young for the level. Needs to get a better feel for the strike zone and learn to hit his pitch. Allergic to taking walks. Grade: 40
Power: Nova is a strong kid but his power plays down in games. Only hit three homers during his stint in the Midwest League, but did record 20 doubles. He's too aggressive in the box and if he falls behind the count he will expand and get himself out. Has plus raw power but won't fully tap into it with current issues. Grade: 45
Field: Split time between shortstop, second and third base in 2019. Future body projection makes it likely he's a future third baseman. He's a better fit at the hot corner as he lacks the quick twitch athleticism to play short. Showed some poor footwork at third base in my looks and just seemed disinterested on the defensive side. Grade: 40
Arm: He has a big arm and he knows it. I think he leans on it too much defensively, and can lose focus because he knows the arm can bail him out of situations. His infield warm up tosses are seeds. Fun to watch his throws. Grade: 70
Run: Not a quick twitch guy, lacks the quick first step but moves well when he's got his momentum behind him. Will slow down as he fills out. Can swipe a bag now, but poor stolen base percentages and future frame will limit the steals. Grade: 50
Overall: Nova is a power over hit infielder with potential 30+ homer upside, but serious approach issues make it unlikely that he maxes out. He's already on the 40-man roster but hasn't touched Double-A yet so we need to see some improvements soon. He's still just 21 years old, but he's a few years away despite his 40-man status.
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Below-Average Player: Bench / Platoon
Risk: Moderate
