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MLB Trade Deadline: 6 best pitching rentals available

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 15, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) walks off the field after throwing against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) walks off the field after throwing against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova (47) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova (47) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 43. . SP. New York Yankees. Ivan Nova. 5

One of the biggest questions of the 2016 trade deadline is if the Yankees will choose to become sellers. At 44-44, New York is certainly not out of Wild Card contention, but needs a lot of things to go right and has a lot of tradeable assets that could fetch huge returns.

Multiple members of New York’s elite bullpen could be on the move, along with controllable starters like Nate Eovaldi if the team really struggles in the coming weeks. As far as starting pitching rentals go, Nova is the best bet to be traded, as CC Sabathia’s $25 million option for 2017 is likely going to vest.

Back in 2013, Nova looked to have a solid future in the Yankees rotation, as he posted a 3.10 ERA (3.47 FIP) in 20 starts. A partially torn UCL and subsequent Tommy John surgery sidelined Nova for nearly all of 2015, and he has struggled ever since.

This season, Nova has a 5.18 ERA (4.88 FIP) in 80 innings, including 12 starts. New York has moved Nova to the bullpen and a contender would possibly choose to do the same, but Nova could at least provide some useful enough innings.

There may be a tiny shred of upside left for Nova, and he should be dealt if the Yankees do choose to sell.

Next: 4. Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres

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