The Pittsburgh Pirates have just made a bold move to strengthen a lineup that has struggled offensively for years. In a three-team deal involving the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Astros, the Pirates acquired 31-year-old second baseman Brandon Lowe, who has been an All-Star twice (2019 and 2025).
The Trade in Detail
The trade sends Lowe, left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum from the Rays to Pittsburgh. In return, the Pirates ship right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows to the Astros. Tampa Bay also receives a pair of prospects from Houston as part of the agreement. An anonymous source familiar with the arrangement told the Associated Press that the deals were pending medical-record approvals.
Brandon Lowe’s Profile
Lowe finished last season with a .256 batting average, 31 home runs and 83 RBIs for Tampa Bay. At 31, he brings veteran experience to a Pirates lineup that has been in the bottom tier of the majors in runs and home runs. His contract will pay him $11.5 million in 2026, and he is eligible for free agency after the World Series. Lowe will take the field at PNC Park, where the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall in right field offers a challenging but enticing target.
Other Players Involved
- Mason Montgomery – The left-hander went 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA in 57 games for the Rays last season. He will join a bullpen that already features closer Dennis Santana and veteran left-hander Gregory Soto.
- Jake Mangum – The 29-year-old outfielder posted a .296 average with 27 stolen bases in 118 games during his rookie season for Tampa Bay.
- Mike Burrows – The 26-year-old right-hander finished with a 2-4 record and a 3.94 ERA for the Pirates last season. He may be an odd-man-out in a starting rotation that includes Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler and Mitch Keller.
- Jacob Melton – The 24-year-old outfielder is heading to the Rays from Houston. He hit .157 in his debut with Houston, but posted a solid .286 average in Triple-A Sugar Land.
- Anderson Brito – The 21-year-old right-hander, also moving to the Rays, had a sub-4.00 ERA in the low minors last year.
Impact on the Pirates
The move signals Pittsburgh’s intent to upgrade an offense that has been described as “at or near the bottom of the majors in nearly every major category.” The acquisition of Lowe provides a veteran bat who can deliver power and run production. It also demonstrates the Pirates’ willingness to take on salary after a period of being cautious about financial commitments.
Pittsburgh had reportedly been pursuing slugger Kyle Schwarber, who chose to stay in Philadelphia. The team also traded for outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, who hit 18 home runs in Triple-A for the Red Sox organization last year.
Adding Lowe, along with Montgomery and Mangum, gives the Pirates a more balanced lineup and a stronger bullpen. The team’s young pitching staff, led by National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, now has a veteran presence to help protect the ball.
Key Takeaways
- Pittsburgh secured All-Star Brandon Lowe in a three-team trade, adding power to a historically weak offense.
- The trade also moved Mike Burrows to Houston and brought Mason Montgomery and Jake Mangum to Pittsburgh.
- The deal signals a shift in the Pirates’ approach to salary and roster construction, with a focus on upgrading the lineup for the 2026 season and beyond.
The Pirates’ aggressive offseason move underscores the organization’s commitment to becoming competitive in both hitting and pitching, setting the stage for a potential turnaround in the coming years.
