MLB Trade Rumors and Speculation: 4 Pitchers for New York Yankees

Bob Levey/Getty Images

We are closing in on the trade deadline very fast, and the New York Yankees need to make a move to acquire a starting pitcher.

There are no less than three quality arms that have been rumored to be available, any one of which would turn the Yankees into the top American League team—if they are not already.

A quality starter in pinstripes would all but guarantee a trip to the ALCS and perhaps the World Series.

Rich Harden

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

After talks with the New York Yankees' archrival, the Boston Red Sox, fell through with Rich Harden, what better way to stick it to the BoSox than to successfully complete the trade?

Though talks have been very soft between New York and Harden, the fact remains that the Yankees need a strong arm and Harden is available.

Harden has electric stuff but hasn't had a solid season since 2008. Playing for the Oakland Athletics can't help a guy get too motivated, though, can it?

His career 3.65 ERA and 1.28 WHIP would be more than sufficient for the potent Yankee offense. 

Erik Bedard

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Erik Bedard has yet to have a healthy season with the Seattle Mariners.

His 2006 and 2007 season with the Baltimore Orioles were two of the best in all of baseball, but he hasn't found his stuff out West.

The New York Yankees, though, aren't looking for a bona fide starter for the next seven years. They have that already, and he's a pretty decent pitcher, C.C. Sabathia.

Bedard has been quite good the past two seasons when he has been able to make it onto the mound, sporting a 3.15 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 177 strikeouts over his last 31 starts.

If the Yankees can keep him healthy for just three months, he'd be a great acquisition for the Bronx Bombers.

Jeremy Guthrie

Nick Laham/Getty Images

There haven't been many trades this 2011 season that have occurred within the division, but this is one that would make sense.

The Baltimore Orioles' talented righty Jeremy Guthrie would provide the New York Yankees a much needed boost from that side of the rubber. A.J. Burnett is too sporadic a right-hander to depend on.

His career stats of a 4.16 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP certainly are nothing to brag about, but he has never been far or above those numbers. He's consistent, and that's good enough for the high-scoring Yankees.

Baltimore wouldn't mind making this deal because Guthrie is 32 years old and could sap some of New York's young talent in the minor leagues, giving the Orioles a slight advantage in the years to come.

Win-win. Let's do it.

Wandy Rodriguez

Bob Levey/Getty Images

Here's the one that takes the cake. Wandy Rodriguez to the New York Yankees.

Houston Astros' GM Ed Wade's eBay account must be down because he's clearly in a fire sale mood. After trading star outfielders Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn, only Rodriguez is left as a viable trade candidate.

Since fighting through some tough early years, Rodriguez has settled in comfortably. His ERA over the last four seasons is 3.38, and his WHIP is 1.28. Excellent stats that would bring him a lot more wins in the Bronx.

This is both the best option for the Yankees, as well as the most likely.