The Pittsburgh Pirates have had preliminary trade discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres regarding outfielders Justin Upton and Carlos Quentin, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
Major-league sources told FOXSports.com the Pirates have had preliminary trade discussions regarding two power-hitting outfielders, San Diego’s Carlos Quentin and Arizona’s Justin Upton. Talent evaluators from those two clubs have scouted Pittsburgh’s minor-league affiliates in recent days, as the teams prepare preference lists of prospects they want in the potential deals.
It’s been rumored that the Pirates have been seeking offensive help this summer, and while Morosi doesn’t expect the club to land both Upton and Quentin, he says Pittsburgh has "a strong desire to upgrade their lineup by landing one of them."
Pittsburgh enters the All-Star break in sole possession of first place in the National League Central, a game up on the Cincinnati Reds. While they’ve been successful this season, their offense has left something to be desired.
Even after their strong offensive month of June, the Pirates enter the break ranked 21st in runs scored and 29th in on base percentage (.300). Pirates’ left fielders have combined to post an OPS of only .586.
Morosi notes that the Diamondbacks expect to contend next season, and would thus want prospects close to major league-ready in exchange for Upton. San Diego is not in the same position as Arizona, and Morosi believes the Padres would be willing to take on younger prospects in a trade involving Quentin.
____________________________________________________________
Who should the Pirates target; Quentin or Upton?
____________________________________________________________