The New York Yankees have exceeded many MLB experts expectations. After missing the playoffs the last two seasons, the Bronx Bombers sit atop the American League East with a 50-41 record. But, there is still work to be done.

The Yankees rank second in runs scored but 19th in runs allowed. The MLB trade deadline is Friday, July 31, and the Yankees have to improve their pitching. C.C. Sabathia isn't getting any younger, and Masahiro Tanaka still has some elbow issues.

Here are five pitchers the Yankees could target before the trade deadline.

1. Johnny Cueto

He's the big name on the MLB hot stove. Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto is in the final year of his contract, and more than likely he will be dealt sometime this month. Cueto has done more than enough for the Reds, but the Reds have to get value while they still can. The Yankees have continuously sent scouts to look at Cueto this year, and they appear to be very interested in the Dominican right-hander. The Reds may have a trade partner in the Yankees, but the Yankees will have to give up a lot in return. In addition to that, they will also have to face fierce competition.

2. David Price

The Detroit Tigers have been pretty disappointing this season at 45-46. David Price has done his job with a 9-3 record on the mound and a 2.32 ERA, but many think the Tigers will deal him away before the trade deadline. Price is in the final year of his contract, and like the Reds with Cueto, it may be wise to get value while you still can. Price has spent seven of his years with the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East, so it would be interesting watching him pitch for the Yankees this time around.

3. Mike Leake

If they can't get Cueto, maybe the Yankees can trade for the Reds second best starting pitcher, Mike Leake. Like Cueto, Leake is also in the final year of his contract. Leake obviously isn't as good as Cueto, but he won't cost nearly as much going forward. The Toronto Blue Jays have shown a lot of interest in Cueto, which could open the door for a Yankees-Leake connection. Leake is still just 27 years old, and could be a great combo with Michael Pineda.

4. Cole Hamels

The Philadelphia Phillies are really bad this year. They have the worst record in the league at 32-62. Just about everyone is predicting Cole Hamels to be traded away sooner rather than later. He's not having the best season of his career, but the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles have shown interest. The issue here is money. Hamels' contract doesn't expire until 2019, and he will make $22.5 million in each of the next three seasons. The Phillies wouldn't mind trading Hamels away to the AL, but this deal may be too much risk than reward.

5. Scott Kazmir

At 43-51, the Oakland Athletics don't stand a chance in the American League West against the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels. Scott Kazmir has a 2.38 ERA this year with 101 strikeouts, but the Athletics aren't benefiting from his services at all. Kazmir is in the final year of his contract. He could very well be the Yankees top target considering he doesn't have a huge long-term contract, he plays in the NL, and they have been scouting him.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1