A former Mets pitcher looks to be a prime trade target as the Aug. 2 trade deadline rapidly approaches — and he might see a return to New York.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported Friday that the New York Yankees are interested in Los Angeles Angels right-hander Noah Syndergaard, though he was initially seen as their third choice behind now former Cincinnati Reds’ star Luis Castillo and A’s big arm, Frankie Montas.

Fast forward to Friday night, Castillo got sent to the Seattle Mariners for a haul of top prospects, and the Yankees now shifted their focus to Montas.

In addition to Montas, Syndergaard could be a nice depth piece for the Yankees, in addition to a bigger fish. However, he is making a hefty penny this season: $21 million, and It's unknown how much is still owed to him. 

Additionally, Heyman notes that scouts do think Syndergaard's stuff is a little “down” from his time with the Mets.

Syndergaard, 30, next month, is averaging just 94 mph on his fastball this year, a far cry from the heat he threw pre-Tommy John surgery.

Syndergaard’s Baseball Savant page definitely leaves something to be desired, especially when you compare it to his last full season of 2019.

Regardless, Syndergaard is on an expiring contract and has put together a passable season. In 15 games started, the righty has been worth 1.2 fWAR and has a 3.83 ERA, a 3.96 FIP, a 4.28 xFIP, but a career low 7.2 K/9.

The Yankees are looking to fortify a rotation that has overall been strong, but they are starting to enter uncharted waters as Jameson Taillon, Luis Severino and Nestor Cortes log more and more innings. 

Read More:

Mets' Trade Deadline Updates: J.D. Martinez, Willson Contreras

Mets Lose Key Reliever to IL, Bullpen Needs Increase Ahead of Deadline

- Trying to Make Sense of Mets' Latest Trade for Tyler Naquin, Lefty Relief Help

Follow Rob Piersall on Twitter (@RTPiersall), be sure to bookmark Inside The Mets and check back daily for news, analysis and more.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks ride 'Luka Magic' on both ends late to win Game 1
Panthers shut out Rangers 3-0 in Eastern Conference Final opener
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
Roger Goodell discusses factors for possible 18-game NFL season
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Former teammate warns Tee Higgins about pitfalls of playing on franchise tag
Watch: Timberwolves and Mavericks trade dunks in third quarter
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension
Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins 2024 Jack Adams Award
Incredible Orioles streak finally comes to end against Cardinals
Raiders QB shares surprising reason for switching jersey number
New Jersey Devils to hire just-fired head coach to lead bench
Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran
Veteran WR announces retirement after nine seasons
Eagles stars defend new DC following criticism
Steelers first-round pick still confident following 'rough' practice
Angel Reese pulls notable sports ownership move