The Pirates look like contenders in the first half for the third-straight year, but they'll need an offensive boost to avoid another late-season collapse.

Entering Wednesday's game the Pirates ranked 15th -- dead last -- in OPS at right field.

David Schoenfield writes that Pittsburgh's ownership needs to step up and sign off on acquiring Giancarlo Stanton from the Marlins to ensure a playoff push.

"From the Pirates' perspective, the best thing is that Stanton is making only $537,000 this season, so he fits into their budget," Schoenfield writes.

"Sure, he'll get expensive starting next year when he first becomes arbitration-eligible, but that's the thing about acquiring him: You get him for three more seasons after this one. This isn't renting Zack Greinke for two months. And if Stanton gets too expensive for your tastes by 2016, you can always trade him then."