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Well, that was a reality check.

As the Yankees limp out of Fenway Park after a weekend drubbing by the first-place Boston Red Sox, theres no sugar coating the facts: Through 77 games, the Yankees are only three games over .500. Even if New York wins its next four games, a team some thought could win over 100 games will be on pace for just 88 wins. And thats a best-case scenario. This looks and feels like a club that will win between 84-86 games.

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That, of course, wont be good enough for the playoffs in the American League. But it sure sounds like general manager Brian Cashman will be a buyer, not a seller. If that plan unfolds, here are five starting pitchers the club could target to help in the rotation. It was an area of need before the news about Corey Kluber. Now its an absolute necessity between now and July 30.

Kyle Gibson, RHP, Rangers

2021 stats: 90 IP, 2.00 ERA, 3.31 FIP

Team control: Signed through 2022. AAV: $9.3M

Why he makes sense: Veteran thats morphed from middle-of-the-rotation starter to one of baseballs best. Poised. Likely wouldnt be overwhelmed by the moment. Has pitched entire career in the American League and with the DH present. Comes with a very reasonable contract, and could replace Kluber (for a cheaper price) in next years rotation.

Jose Berrios, RHP, Twins

2021 stats: 89.2 IP, 3.41 ERA, 3.40 FIP

Team control: Arbitration eligible in 2022, free agent before 2023 season

Why he makes sense: The best combination of raw talent and team control on this list. Getting Berrios for two pennant chases would be a steal, and something no one saw coming before this season. The Twins are a mess, but might not be one a year from now. This is the time to pounce on an All-Star caliber pitcher.

German Marquez, RHP, Rockies

2021 stats: 90.1 IP, 3.99 ERA, 3.52 FIP

Team control: Signed through 2023, with a 2024 club option. AAV: $8.6M

Why he makes sense: One stat sums up why Marquez should be a must-chase for Cashman over the next month:

Marquez at Coors Field: 348.2 IP, 4.85 ERA

Marquez on the road: 376.0 IP, 3.71 ERA

Last time I checked, Yankee Stadium is not in the Rocky Mountains. Marquez is an affordable and durable innings eater that could turn into even more if given the chance to pitch regularly outside of Coors Field.

Jon Gray, Rockies

2021 stats: 68.0 IP, 3.97 ERA, 4.20 FIP

Team control: Free agent after 2021 season

Why he makes sense: Rental. Cheap. Could perform way better outside of Coors. Always blessed with big-time stuff, but rarely shows it from start to start. This is the kind of acquisition that pitching coach Matt Blake would be tasked to work magic with. Would likely come cheap in terms of prospect cost.

Pablo Lopez, Marlins

2021 stats: 91 IP, 2.87 ERA, 3.26 FIP

Team control: Arbitration eligible in 2022, free agent before 2025 season

Why he makes sense: Only 25, Lopez has an All-Star appearance likely coming next month. Over the next few years, earning votes for the Cy Young is not out of the question. Has the kind of stuff (ground balls, swings and misses) that play in any park, including the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium. Would cost a ton, but the Yankees have bats (Gleyber Torres? Clint Frazier?) that could interest the Marlins.

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Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com.

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MLB rumors: 5 starting pitchers Yankees should target in trades - NJ.com