The Pittsburgh Pirates, who sit at 48-37 with a 1 game lead in the NL Central, are looking to put another piece or two around all-star center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
According to Joe Moresi of FOX Sports the Pirates have entered into preliminary trade talks with both the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres in pursuit of Justin Upton and Carlos Quentin.
Upton, the number one overall draft selection in 2005 and a silver slugger winner during the 2011 season, is batting .267 with 7 homeruns and 36 RBIs in 78 games played this season.
It’s no surprise that trade rumors have already started to flourish.
In addition to Upton the Pirates are looking to acquire Carlos Quentin from the San Diego Padres. Quentin, who has only played in 32 games this season, is batting .273 with an OPS of .930.
Quentin, also a two-time all star and former silver slugger winner, has provided a steady bat for his career with a .253 average since entering the league in 2006 with the Diamondbacks.
If the Pirates do acquire either Upton or Quentin they will certainly have added a strong outfielder with a proven skills to an outfield already featuring a strong, young center fielder in Andrew McCutchen.
By adding another bat to their line-up the Pirates could strengthen their team and solidify themselves as legitimate contenders, for their first division title since 1992.
The Pirates played in NL east before moving to the NL central when it was established in 1994. As the season enters the all-star break the Pirates are looking like they have a great chance to end their streak of 19 straight seasons with a losing record.
Adding either Upton or Quentin,two former all stars to their roster could do nothing but improve their chances.
