Report: Pirates in talks with Justin Upton, Carlos Quentin

Justin Upton or Carlos Quentin could be on their way to Pittsburgh this year (Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a surprise contender at the All-Star break, and they are looking to get stronger. FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reports that the team has expressed interest in The San Diego Padres' Carlos Quentin and the Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton, both power-hitting outfielders that would add a jolt of offense to the Pirates line-up.

The Pirates have gotten an impressive amount of production from outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who has a .359 batting average with a .411 on-base percentage and 16 home runs at the halfway point of the season. However, the team could benefit from having a cleanup hitter later in the batting order as McCutchen figures to face less pitches in the season's second half and into the playoffs.

Upton, who has hit .267 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs has been mentioned in trade discussions recently, while Carlos Quentin has achieved similar numbers with the Padres.