The New York Yankees are currently second in the American League East standings, and several analysts believe that the Yanks should trade for a starting pitcher in order to become a strong contender this season.

The Yankees had a strong start this season and showed a lot of promise especially after new recruits Masahiro Tanaka and Jacoby Ellsbury impressed in their first several games.

However, things started to go on a downward spiral for the Yankees after their starting rotation was hit by a multitude of injuries as they are currently playing without CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda, while Ivan Nova will be out for the remainder of the season.

Timmy Kennedy of FanSided believe that the Yankees should make a run at acquiring Jason Hammel, David Price, or Jeff Samardzija if they want to have a shot at this year's World Series.

"If the Yankees are serious about winning a World Series, they will need to trade for a starter," Kennedy wrote. "With quality starters like Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel and David Price all set to be moved, the Yankees will have to dig deep, and deal for a quality arm."

Samardzija is struggling this season with a 1-4 record, but Kennedy pointed out that acquiring the Chicago Cubs pitcher will definitely make the Yankees a force to reckon with in the postseason.

"The Yankees will have to look to get Samardzija if they are serious about winning a World Series," Kennedy wrote. "Trading for a top pitcher like Samardzija not only gives New York a quality starter to guide them through October, but also deprives rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays, of a quality arm."

Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports also reported that the Yankees might make a run at acquiring Baltimore Orioles shortstop JJ Hardy as a possible replacement for Derek Jeter, who is playing in his final MLB season.

Rosenthal, citing an anonymous MLB agent, reported that Hardy, who failed to secure a contract extension with the Orioles before the start of the season, will be a perfect replacement for Jeter.

"The agent, who has no affiliation with either player, made an excellent point: Hardy is steady and unassuming, and his low-maintenance personality would make him well-suited to replace a legend," Rosenthal noted.