Pirates Find Themselves In Interesting Situation with Brandon Lowe
Jason Shetler
p/c: Charles LeClaire
Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates made one of their biggest trades in a long time; acquiring All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, as part of a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros.
In my opinion, the acquisition of Lowe is the Pirates’ most impactful position player addition since the Russell Martin signing prior to the 2013 season.
Lowe made quite the statement for his new team to open 2026, as he delivered a pair of home runs against the New York Mets at Citi Field. He became the first Pirates second baseman to hit multiple homers on Opening Day.
The Pirates enter the month of June averaging 5.0 runs per game, which is a vast improvement going into June of last year (3.2). Lowe has been a major reason why the Bucs have a Top 5 offense right now. His 14 home runs lead all MLB second basemen, while his .875 OPS is also tops at the position.
There’s been plenty of discussion around the Pirates, in regards to a possible contract extension with Lowe. Set to become a free agent after the season, Lowe is making $11.5 million in 2026. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington should at least have a sit down with Lowe and his agent about an extension.
Although Lowe will be 32 next season, he’s been one of the most productive hitting second basemen in baseball, and may look to cash in on one more big payday in free agency. If the Pirates are unable to extend Lowe, where do they go from there?
The trade deadline will certainly dictate what Pittsburgh decides to do with Lowe. If they’re looking to compete, then he won’t go anywhere. But should they fall out of contention and sell, then he’ll be their biggest trade candidate.
Two years ago, the Pirates were 54-52 heading into the trade deadline. The team chose to keep Aroldis Chapman rather than sell high at the deadline, because they were still in the mix for a wildcard spot. However, an August collapse resulted in them falling out of contention. Chapman left for free agency, and the Pirates lost him for nothing.
It’ll be interesting what the Pirates will do with Lowe. Do they push the chips forward on playing for a postseason spot, or enter the deadline as fringe contenders, and try to move Lowe for a significant return, even though he’ll only be a rental for a contender?