The Pittsburgh Pirates have interests in acquiring both Arizona Diamondback outfielder Justin Upton and San Diego Padre outfielder Carlos Quentin.
The Pirates have a mediocre hitting lineup. Andrew McCutchen is having a great season, but pitchers will get the hint and will more than likely stop giving him anything good to hit.
In a lineup where McCutchen is backed up by Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee, the Pirates offense will not survive and make into the playoffs.
They are currently 10 games over .500 and have a 1 game lead over the Cincinnati Reds and 2 1/2 games above the World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Justin Upton would require a hefty package since the 24-year-old outfielder is signed through the 2015 season.
The Pirates would not have to give too much for Quentin since he becomes a free agent after this season.
With the Padres and Diamondbacks out of contention in the National League West, the Pirates could package a few of their prospects.
Two pitchers from their system are being discussed. Both Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon could be shipped out of Pittsburgh's farm system.
The Pirates also have a young outfield prospect, Sterling Marte, who seems ready for action in the Majors in the following years. He currently has an .846 OPS in AAA.
It would take more than just Marte to get Upton to Pittsburgh, but it will be an important piece, one which the Diamondbacks are interested in.
Upton has had a disappointing season in comparison to the 31 home runs and 88 runs batted in that he posted in 2011.
In 2012, Upton has just 7 home runs and 36 RBI. He has also been plagued by a thumb injury.
In 32 games this season, Carlos Quentin has 7 home runs and 17 RBI. He is a player that has also been plagued by injury, but when in the lineup he can provide enough power.
The Pirates would be content with landing just one of these sluggers. Of course, the Pirates pitching staff would love having these two sluggers in their lineup.
