Report: Yankees informed teams Nova is available

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said numerous times this offseason that no pitcher is assured a spot in a crowded rotation, though he could clear room by dealing one of his starters.

Cashman reportedly let teams know that right-hander Ivan Nova is available, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, with the Yankees expecting a solid return.

Signed through next season, Nova's expected to land roughly $4.5 million in his final year of arbitration, and the Yankees could flip him as part of a package for pitching help under more controllable contracts.

Nova was bumped from the rotation in September as he struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery, going 6-11 with a 5.07 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 94 innings. The Yankees, however, believe the 28-year-old will be highly motivated to improve next season, as he'll be pitching for his next deal.

Prior to undergoing surgery, Nova went 40-22 with a 4.20 ERA across 537 2/3 innings, striking out 405. Should he stay in New York, he'll likely head into the spring fighting for a spot at the back end of the rotation.