Pirates Eye Brandon Lowe as Offseason Trade Target

The Pittsburgh Pirates are preparing for an unusually active offseason, with reports suggesting the team could make significant moves to strengthen its roster. Multi-year free-agent signings have been rare for the franchise, which has not made such a deal since bringing in Ivan Nova before the 2017 season.

With a promising young pitching staff anchored by Paul Skenes, the Pirates recognize that offensive upgrades are essential to contend. Outfielder and infield depth, particularly from left-handed hitters, is a priority, and trade acquisitions may prove more realistic than free-agent signings.

Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays has emerged as a potential trade candidate, according to Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic. Lowe, 31, is entering the final year of his $11.5 million contract, making him an attractive option for teams seeking a controllable, experienced bat in the middle infield.

Other clubs, including the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants, are reportedly also interested in bolstering their second-base positions. For Pittsburgh, Lowe could fill a key offensive void while complementing the team’s youthful pitching core.

1. Lowe as a Trade Fit

Brandon Lowe offers the Pirates an experienced left-handed bat in a lineup that has shown room for improvement. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him an appealing option for a team seeking a balanced approach to run production. At 31, Lowe combines veteran presence with a contract that is manageable for a team looking to remain flexible in future seasons. His $11.5 million salary for the final year of his deal provides a clear evaluation point for trade discussions. The Pirates have identified a need for left-handed hitters, both for lineup construction and to match up against divisional pitching. Lowe’s profile aligns well with this objective, offering power, on-base ability, and versatility in the infield. Acquiring Lowe via trade could allow Pittsburgh to strengthen its offense without waiting for free-agent opportunities, potentially speeding up the team’s push toward contention.

2. Lessons from Past Trades

Pittsburgh has a mixed history with trades involving Tampa Bay. The Pirates acquired Chris Archer after his early-career success, but the deal ultimately favored the Rays, as prospect Tyler Glasnow—sent to Tampa—developed into a top-tier pitcher. That experience may cause some fans to approach another potential Rays trade with caution. Concerns about surrendering key prospects or overpaying for immediate impact are part of the calculus the front office must consider. Nevertheless, the need to improve the lineup is clear. Adding a proven contributor like Lowe could help balance a pitching-heavy roster, providing the offensive support necessary to complement Skenes and other young arms. A thoughtful approach, including careful evaluation of prospects and contract considerations, will be crucial to avoid repeating past missteps while making a meaningful roster upgrade.

3. Managing Trade Rumors and Expectations

Trade speculation has already swirled around the Pirates this season, including rumors linking Paul Skenes to the New York Yankees. The organization has sought to redirect attention toward actionable moves that strengthen the team rather than speculative headlines. Targeting Brandon Lowe could provide a high-profile, realistic trade story that fans and analysts can follow. By actively pursuing established players, the Pirates signal their commitment to becoming competitive in the near term. Successfully acquiring Lowe would demonstrate that the Pirates are serious about translating their young pitching talent into a playoff-caliber roster. A measured yet ambitious approach could help reshape the franchise’s offseason narrative. Ultimately, follow-through will be key. Continued speculation without action risks repeating the pattern of unfulfilled trade rumors, while a completed deal for Lowe could position Pittsburgh as a more balanced and formidable team in 2026.