Carlos Martinez (left), Jacob deGrom (top right) and Madison Bumgarner (bottom right) are all candidates to be moved before the July 31 trade deadline. (File photos)

Randy Miller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

NEW YORK — The Yankees return from the All-Star break on Friday to begin an important weekend Subway Series against the Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees need to play good baseball because they’re 4 ½ games behind first-place Boston in the AL East.

Meantime, Yankees management will be continuing its quest to add a frontline starting pitcher before the fast-approaching July 31 trade deadline and this weekend it will see three very good Mets starters who could be moved ... Noah Syndergaard on Friday night, Steven Matz on Saturday afternoon and Jacob deGrom on Sunday night.

Of course, as the old saying goes, it takes two to tango and we’ll have to see if Mets ownership is willing to make a deal with the contending Yankees even if it gets an offer that blows them away.

Here are 24 pitchers who could be moved by July 31 ranked by talent from one to 24 with odds for each on being traded to the Yankees:

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Rob Carr | Getty Images

1. Jacob deGrom, RHP

Club: New York Mets.

Age: 30 (31 on June 19, 2019).

Size: 6-4, 180.

Contract: $7.4 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2020 season.

2018 stats: Mets, 5-4, 1.68 ERA, 19 starts, 123.1 IP, 90 hits, 26 runs, 23 ER, 7 HR, 30 BB, 149 K.

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The skinny: The Mets dealing deGrom to the Yankees for three or four really good prospects make so much sense for both clubs. This almost certainly happen so matter what Brian Cashman offers though because Mets ownership absolutely does not want to help the Yankees win another World Series … even at the expense of expediating its own rebuild.

Odds on deGrom joining Yankees: 300 to 1.

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Marcio Jose Sanchez | AP

2. Madison Bumgarner, LHP

Club: San Francisco Giants.

Age: 28 (29 on Aug. 1).

Size: 6-4, 242.

Contract: $12 million salary for 2018 in first of two club options in five-year, $35 million contract that ran from 2013-17 and includes a $12 million option for 2019.

2018 stats: Giants, 3-3, 2.90 ERA, 8 starts, 49.2 IP, 42 hits, 17 runs, 16 ER, 5 HR, 17 BB, 41 K.

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The skinny: Bumgarner to the Yankees also is a good fit for both clubs … if the Giants give up on making the playoffs by July 31, which definitely is possible but iffy at this point. Bumgarner is healthy and pitching well again after beginning the year on the DL with a broken hand, and as we all know, his postseason resume (7-3, 2.11 ERA) is legendary. If the Giants move Bumgarner, they'll want a package that includes a high-ceiling outfielder and relievers. That lead to the Yankees building a return around Triple-A outfielder Clint Frazier or high-A center fielder Estevan Florial, the organization's No. 1 prospect, and reliever Jonathan Holder with a high-ceiling starting pitching prospect such as Albert Abreu or Domingo Cedeno included.

Odds on Bumgarner joining Yankees: 50 to 1.

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Julie Jacobson | AP

3. Noah Syndergaard, RHP

Club: New York Mets.

Age: 25 (26 on Aug. 29).

Size: 6-6, 240.

Contract: $2.975 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2021 season.

2018 stats: Mets, 5-1, 2.97 ERA, 12 starts, 69.2 IP, 70 hits, 26 runs, 23 ER, 5 HR, 15 BB, 79 K.

The skinny: Jacob deGrom or Thor could be a final World Series piece for the Yankees, who badly need another ace. Dream on. If only Mets ownership were sensible.

Odds on Syndergaard joining Yankees: 250 to 1.

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Chris Urso | TNS

4. Blake Snell, LHP

Club: Tampa Bay Rays.

Age: 25 (26 on Dec. 4).

Size: 6-4, 200.

Contract: $558,200 salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2022 season.

2018 stats: Rays, 12-5, 2.27 ERA, 20 starts, 119 IP, 80 hits, 32 runs, 30 ER, 12 HR, 47 BB, 134 K.

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The skinny: Jim Bowden of the Athletic recently proposed a trade that would send Snell to the Yankees for outfielder Clint Frazier, No. 1 pitching prospect Justus Sheffield and Triple-A right-hander Erik Swanson. That's a fair deal, but the Rays likely will be hold onto Snell unless they get an offer that overwhelms them to the point they can't say no. The Yankees likely won't go that far.

Odds on Snell joining Yankees: 100 to 1.

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Jeff Curry | USA TODAY Sports

5. Carlos Martinez, RHP

Club: St. Louis Cardinals.

Age: 26 (27 on Sept. 21).

Size: 6-0, 190.

Contract: $11.5 million salary for 2018, the second season of a five-year, $51-million contract that includes $11.5 million salaries for 2019, 2020 and 2021 plus a $17 million club option or $500,000 buyout for 2022 and an $18 million club option or $500,000 buyout for 2023.

2018 stats: Cardinals, 6-5, 3.08 ERA, 16 starts, 90.2 IP, 78 hits, 37 runs, 31 ER, 4 HR, 47 BB, 87 K.

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The skinny: The Cardinals just fired their manager and their next big move could be dealing their ace to the Yankees for a package headed by a high-ceiling position-player prospect. Martinez is a horse, and his team-friendly contract that has him under control through 2023, could entice the Yankees to offer high-A center fielder Estevan Florial, the club's top prospect, plus three other farmhands.

Odds on Martinez joining Yankees: 15 to 1.

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Allen J. Schaben | Los Angeles Times | TNS

6. Tyler Skaggs, LHP

Club: Los Angeles Angels,

Age: 27 (28 on July 13, 2019, 2019).

Size: 6-4, 215.

Contract: $1.875 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2020 season.

2018 stats: Angels, 7-5, 2.57 ERA, 17 starts, 98 IP, 90 hits, 31 runs, 28 ER, 8 HR,28 BB, 105 K.

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The skinny: The Yankees reportedly have been scouting the Angels' two lefty starters, Andrew Heaney and Skaggs. If the Angels decide to make either or both available – which is likely – they wouldn't come cheap because both are young, controllable and in the midst of breakout campaigns. Skaggs has allowed one or no earned runs in 10 of his 17 starts and is seventh in the AL in ERA.

Odds on Skaggs joining Yankees: 25 to 1.

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Sean M. Haffey | Getty Images

7. Andrew Heaney, LHP

Club: Los Angeles Angels.

Age: 27 (28 on June 5, 2019).

Size: 6-2, 195.

Contract: $800,000 salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2021 season.

2018 stats: Angels, 5-6, 3.78 ERA, 17 starts, 102.1 IP, 89 hits, 51 runs, 43 ER, 13 HR, 30 BB, 102 K.

The skinny: Heaney has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 14 of his 17 starts, one or fewer in 10 of 17. Since June 3, He's been as good as anyone, a stretch in which he's 5-1 with an 0.95 ERA in six starts.

Odds on Heaney joining Yankees: 25 to 1.

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Julie Jacobson | AP

8. Steven Matz, LHP

Club: New York Mets

Age: 27 (28 on May 29).

Size: 6-2, 200.

Contract: $577,000 salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2021 season.

2018 stats: Mets, 4-7, 3.38 ERA, 18 starts, 96 IP, 83 hits, 43 runs, 36 ER, 15 HR, 37 BB, 85 K.

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The skinny: The rumor mill has Zack Wheeler and Matz as the most likely of the Mets' starters to be moved. The Yankees surely would be interested in Matz, but, again, it's very likely Mets ownership will make a significant trade with their hated crosstown rival unless they're blown away and then some in an offer. That probably won't happen.

Odds on Matz joining Yankees: 100 to 1.

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Kenneth K. Lam | Baltimore Sun | TNS

9. Zach Britton, LHP

Club: Baltimore Orioles.

Age: 30 (31 on Dec. 22).

Size: 6-3, 195.

Contract: $12 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2018 season.

2018 stats: Orioles, 1-0, 3.68 ERA, 15 games, 4 saves, 14.2 IP, 11 hits, 6 runs, 6 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 13 K.

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The skinny: Britton became the best lefty reliever available when the Padres traded closer Brad Hand to the Indians on Wednesday. The 2016 AL saves leader has been making steady improvement since returning on June 12 from December surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles and went into the All-Star break allowing no runs in seven innings over his last seven appearances. Britton could be a huge upgrade from Chasen Shreve as a second lefty in the Yankees' bullpen to pair with closer Aroldis Chapman. The Yanks' biggest competition for Britton probably will be the Astros, who came close to acquiring the two-time All-Star last July. Also, Houston now is desperate for a closer with Ken Giles recently demoted to Triple-A.

Odds on Britton joining Yankees: 12 to 1.

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Jim Mone | AP

10. Chris Archer, RHP

Club: Tampa Bay Rays.

Age: 29 (30 on Sept. 26).

Size: 6-2, 195.

Contract: $6.25 million salary for 2018, the fifth season of a six-year, $25.5 million contract that includes a $7.5 million salary for 2019 plus a $9 million club option or $1.75 million buyout for 2020 and a $11 million club option or $250,000 buyout for 2021.

2018 stats: Rays, 3-4, 4.29 ERA, 15 starts, 84 IP, 87 hits, 42 runs, 40 ER, 10 HR, 29 BB, 86 K.

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The skinny: Archer has been just so-so in two starts since returning from an abdominal strain that had him on the disabled list from June 3 to July 8. When he's on though, Archer has ace stuff and he potentially could be a good No. 2 for the Yankees behind Luis Severino. The fact that he's controllable for three more years is appealing, too.

Odds on Archer joining Yankees: 7 to 1.

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Eric Christian Smith | AP

11. Michael Fulmer, RHP

Club: Detroit Tigers.

Age: 25 (26 on March 15, 2019).

Size: 6-3, 246.

Contract: $575,000 salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2022 season.

2018 stats: Tigers, 3-9, 4.50 ERA, 19 starts, 112 IP, 110 hits, 60 runs, 56 ER, 14 HR, 38 BB, 93 K.

The skinny: The Tigers definitely will be trade-deadline sellers and Fulmer is their best chip, but management's price tag could scare off a lot of buyers, including the Yankees. The 2016 AL Rookie of the Year and 2017 All-Star last year is attractive because he has ace potential and is controllable for four more seasons, but he's been inconsistent this year allowing four or more runs in seven of 19 starts. Also, his September 2017 ulnar nerve transposition surgery (due to finger numbness) could scare off teams from offering a huge return, and that's what the Tigers will demand.

Odds on Fulmer joining Yankees: 30 to 1.

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Patrick Smith | Getty Images

12. J.A. Happ, LHP

Club: Toronto Blue Jays.

Age: 35 (36 on Oct. 19).

Size: 6-5, 205.

Contract: $13 million salary for 2018, the third season of a three-year, $36-million contract. Eligible for free agency after 2018 season.

2018 stats: Blue Jays, 10-6, 4.29 ERA, 19 starts, 109 IP, 95 hits, 60 runs, 52 ER, 17 HR, 35 BB, 121 K.

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The skinny: Happ probably is the easiest obtainable potential impact starter available. There's a lot to like about Happ, a former 20-game winner who was selected to his first All-Star Game this year. The Yankees have to like that Happ has a 2.16 ERA (16.2 IP, 4 ER) in four starts this season against the Red Sox and Astros, but they perhaps have soured due to his 0-3 record and 9.75 ERA (12 IP, 18 runs, 13 ER) over his last three starts. The Mariners and Phillies are other potential landing spots for Happ.

Odds on Happ joining Yankees: 10 to 1.

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Jim Mone | AP

13 Kyle Gibson, RHP

Club: Minnesota Twins.

Age: 30 (31 on Oct. 23).

Size: 6-6, 215.

Contract: $4.2 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2019 season.

2018 stats: Twins, 4-6, 3.42 ERA, 19 starts, 115.2 IP, 96 hits, 46 runs, 44 ER, 12 HR, 46 BB, 114 K.

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The skinny: Gibson is having his most consistent season, as he's allowed three or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 19 starts. The 2009 first-round draft pick has been very good since late May, going 3-3 with a 2.87 ERA in nine starts. He could be a nice addition to the Yankees, but as of now the Twins are on the fringe of the AL Central race and unsure if they'll be sellers or stand pat at the trade deadline. The Twins are leery of selling because they did so last year, then got very hot in August and made it to the playoffs as a Wild Card team.

Odds on Gibson joining Yankees: 30 to 1.

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Jayne Kamin-Oncea | Getty Images

14. Matt Harvey, RHP

Club: Cincinnati Reds.

Age: 29 (30 on March 27, 2019).

Size: 6-4, 215.

Contract: $5.625 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2018 season.

2018 stats: Mets, 0-2, 7.00 ERA, 8 games, 4 starts, 27 IP, 33 hits, 21 runs, 21 ER, 6 HR, 9 BB, 20 K. Reds, 5-3, 3.64 ERA, 12 starts, 64.1 IP, 60 hits, 28 runs, 26 ER, 7 HR, 15 BB, 49 K.

The skinny: The Dark Knight's trade value is trending upward because he's in the midst of his best stretch since 2015 with a 4-1 record and 3.15 ERA over his last seven starts. Also, his velocity has been up to 96 mph in recent outings. The Reds are looking for starting pitching prospects for Harvey and the Yankees could protect their best three or four and still make a great offer.

Odds on Harvey joining Yankees: 25 to 1.

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Jae C. Hong | AP

15. Cole Hamels, LHP

Club: Texas Rangers.

Age: 34 (35 on Dec. 27).

Size: 6-4, 205.

Contract: $22.5 million salary for 2018, final season of a six-year, $144-million contract that includes a $20 million club option or $6 million buyout for 2019.

2018 stats: Rangers, 5-8, 4.36 ERA, 19 starts, 109.1 IP, 106 hits, 63 runs, 53 ER, 21 HR, 40 BB, 109 K.

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The skinny: Hamels is one of the biggest names on the trade market and his playoff pedigree is impressive – he was the World Series MVP for the 2008 Phillies – but he's no longer a top-of-the-rotation guy for a good team and his season has been hot and cold. Of late, Hamels has struggled badly, as he's pitched to a 9.53 ERA over his last four starts. Word is the Yankees aren't hot for Hamels, who is more likely to return to the Phillies.

Odds on Hamels joining Yankees: 65 to 1.

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Alex Kormann | Minneapolis Star Tribune | TNS

16. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP

Club: Tampa Bay Rays.

Age: 31 (32 on May 12, 2019).

Size: 6-5, 280.

Contract: $2 million salary for 2018. Pact includes $2 million club option for 2019.

2018 stats: Twins, 7-7, 5.22 ERA, 18 starts, 91.1 IP, 96 hits, 56 runs, 53 ER, 10 HR, 55 BB, 91 K.

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The skinny: The hard-throwing ex-Yankee has been all over the map since returning on May 30 from Tommy John surgery. He's flirted with no-hitters in two of his starts, has been good in two others, mediocre once and poor four times. Thus, on any given night Eovaldi can match up with aces or pitch like Sonny Gray. That uncertainly probably will lead the Yankees to go another direction.

Odds on Eovaldi joining Yankees: 50 to 1.

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Matt Marton | AP

17. Lance Lynn, RHP

Club: Minnesota Twins.

Age: 31 (32 on May 12, 2019).

Size: 6-5, 280.

Contract: $12 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2018 season.

2018 stats: Twins, 7-7, 5.22 ERA, 18 starts, 91.1 IP, 96 hits, 56 runs, 53 ER, 10 HR, 55 BB, 91 K.

The skinny: Although having his worst season, Lynn piques interest because he was one of the NL's top starters pitching for the Cardinals from 2012-16 and again last season. Could Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild make a quick fix on Lynn, whose 5.22 ERA and 5.4 walks per nine innings are career-worst totals? Maybe.

Odds on Lynn joining Yankees: 75 to 1.

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Jim McIsaac | Getty Images

18. Zack Wheeler, RHP

Club: New York Mets.

Age: 28 (29 on May 30, 2019).

Size: 6-4, 195.

Contract: $1.9 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2019 season.

2018 stats: Mets, 3-6, 4.44 ERA, 18 starts, 107.1 IP, 104 hits, 55 runs, 53 ER, 11 HR, 40 BB, 106 K.

The skinny: The Yankees probably like that Wheeler has pitched to a 3.61 ERA since June 1 and that he'd be a rental, but he's a middle-of-the-rotation guy. He's a Met though, so his price for the Yankees will be sky high (if there is a price) and Brian Cashman isn't going to overpay for someone who probably isn't a difference maker.

Odds on Wheeler joining Yankees: 100 to 1.

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Denis Poroy | Getty Images

19. Tyson Ross, RHP

Club: San Diego Padres.

Age: 31 (32 on April 22, 2019).

Size: 6-4, 245.

Contract: $17.5 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2018 season.

2018 stats: Padres, 5-8, 4.32 ERA, 19 starts, 108.1 IP, 95 hits, 55 runs, 52 ER, 14 HR, 43 BB, 97 K.

The skinny: Ross is intriguing because he pitched well in a lot of his first-half starts – he allowed two or fewer runs in 10 of his first 19 outings - but he began July by being shelled for 15 runs over seven innings in losses to the Pirates and Diamondbacks. He'd be a last-resort option for the Yankees.

Odds on Ross joining Yankees: 40 to 1.

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Bob Levey | Getty Images

20. James Shields, RHP

Club: Chicago White Sox.

Age: 36 (37 on Dec. 20).

Size: 6-3, 210.

Contract: $21 million salary for 2018, the final season of a four-year, $75-million contract that includes a $16 million club option or $2 million buyout for 2019. Eligible for free agency after 2022 season.

2018 stats: White Sox, 4-10, 4.43 ERA, 21 games, 20 starts, 126 IP, 111 hits, 70 runs, 62 ER, 15 HR, 49 BB, 92 K.

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The skinny: Shields is a right-handed version of CC Sabathia as a former hard thrower who has reinvented himself. Now relying on an 89-91 mph fastball and a slow curve, Shields has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 14 of his 20 starts. In his last 12 starts, Shields had a 12.65 ERA in two of them and a 2.44 ERA in the other 10. Despite his success and that he's in the walk year of his contract, Shields probably isn't a good fit for the Yankees even if the White Sox pick up some of the $7.3 million that he'll be owed after July 31 ($5.3 million this year, $2 million buyout).

Odds on Shields joining Yankees: 60 to 1.

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Pedro Portal | Miami Herald | TNS

21. Adam Conley, LHP

Club: Miami Marlins.

Age: 28 (29 on May 24, 2019).

Size: 6-3, 200.

Contract: $545,000 salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2022 season.

2018 stats: Marlins, 3-1, 2.88 ERA, 24 games, 25 IP, 12 hits, 9 runs, 8 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 30 K.

The skinny: A hard thrower whose fastball averages 94.9 mph, Conley would be an upgrade from Chasen Shreve as a lefty reliever in the Yankees bullpen. He's allowed no runs in 20 of his 24 outings and he's tough on lefties, who are hitting .137 against him with five hits in 37 at-bats. On the down side, Conley badly struggled as a Triple-A starter early this season and he pitched poorly throughout 2017, so three good months this season probably isn't enough to count on him getting big outs in big spots.

Odds on Conley joining Yankees: 40 to 1.

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John E. Sokolowski | USA TODAY Sports

22. Marco Estrada, RHP

Club: Toronto Blue Jays.

Age: 35 (36 on July 5, 2019).

Size: 6-0, 180.

Contract: $13 million salary for 2018. Eligible for free agency after 2018 season.

2018 stats: Blue Jays, 4-7, 4.72 ERA, 17 starts, 89.2 IP, 93 hits, 48 runs, 47 ER, 15 HR, 25 BB, 70 K.

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The skinny: Estrada has been on the DL since July 13 with a buttocks strain, but he's scheduled to come off and pitch the Blue Jays' fourth game coming out of the break and he'll have two starts to impress contenders before the July 31 trade deadline. He's gone through a lot of struggles over the last two seasons, but he was a 2016 All-Star who pitched to a 3.66 ERA from 2012-16. If the Yankees strike out on better starting pitching options, Estrada could become a low-risk, high-reward pick-up for a reasonable cost. But first, he needs to finish July strong.

Odds on Estrada joining Yankees: 45 to 1.

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Dodgers trade for Machado | What it means for Yankees

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Justin K. Aller | Getty Images

23. Ivan Nova, RHP

Club: Pittsburgh Pirates.

Age: 31 (32 on Jan. 12, 2019).

Size: 6-5, 250.

Contract: $8.5 million salary for 2018, the second season of a three-year, $26-million contract that includes an $8.5 million salary for 2019. Eligible for free agency after 2019 season.

2018 stats: Pirates, 5-6, 4.38 ERA, 18 starts, 102.2 IP, 114 hits, 55 runs, 50 ER, 19 HR, 17 BB, 79 K.

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The skinny: The former long-time Yankee was roughed up for seven runs over five innings in a loss at the Dodgers on July 3, but is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his other six starts since June 10. The Pirates could move Nova if they completely fall out of playoff contention by late July, but his guaranteed contract for 2019 probably assures that the Yankees wouldn't bring him back even as a last resort.

Odds on Nova joining Yankees: 80 to 1.

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Jim Mone | AP

24. Danny Duffy, LHP

Club: Kansas City Royals.

Age: 29 (30 on Dec. 21).

Size: 6-3, 205.

Contract: $14 million salary for 2018, the second season of a five-year, $65-million contract that includes $15.25 million salaries for 2019 and 2020, and a $15.5 million salary for 2021. Eligible for free agency after 2021 season.

2018 stats: Royals, 5-8, 4.59 ERA, 20 starts, 113.2 IP, 113 hits, 60 runs, 58 ER, 19 HR, 53 BB, 103 K.

The skinny: Duffy is 4-2 with a 2.73 ERA over his last 10 starts since May 24, a stretch in which he's allowed one or no runs seven times. He went into the All-Star break having pitched 13 shutout innings over his last two starts. Duffy would be an upgrade over Domingo German or Sonny Gray in the Yankees' rotation, but it's very unlikely they'd take on his big contract.

Odds on Duffy joining Yankees: 85 to 1.

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Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook.