The Tampa Bay Rays face a decision on second baseman Brandon Lowe, who is one year from free agency and drawing trade interest from teams like the Pirates and Reds. Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander voiced support for retaining Lowe and teammate Yandy Díaz, emphasizing financial stability and appreciation for their loyalty. Lowe's strong 2025 performance adds complexity to the situation.
ST. PETERSBURG -- As the Winter Meetings concluded, trade speculation surrounds Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, the team's longest-tenured player and a 31-year-old All-Star. Lowe is set to earn $11.5 million next season and will hit free agency afterward, attracting interest from clubs seeking infield help and left-handed power. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Lowe's name as "a popular one" in trade discussions, with sources indicating increased chances of a deal.
Rays executive Erik Neander, however, showed reluctance to move Lowe or Yandy Díaz. "I just kind of keep going back to Brandon and Yandy, and those two in particular, that they've kind of stayed along for the ride as things have worked out," Neander said. "We greatly appreciate both of them. We feel like, from a payroll/financial standpoint, we've gotten ourselves back to … a place where we are very OK with where we are. … We've also made decisions the last few years to kind of continue to roll forward with these guys. We greatly appreciate them and [would be] more than happy to ride into next year and see what this team can do."
The Rays, who missed the playoffs in the past two seasons in a competitive American League East, aim for a championship. Lowe contributed significantly in 2025, hitting 31 home runs and driving in 83 runs over 134 games—his best output since 2021. Since 2020, his 134 home runs rank second among second basemen to Marcus Semien's 145, while his .478 slugging percentage trails only Ketel Marte's .491.
Reasons to Keep Lowe
- His power is vital; the Rays' outfield hit fewer home runs than Lowe alone in 2025. The infield and DH group, including Lowe, Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero, is expected to drive the offense.
- Replacing Lowe at second base is challenging, with Richie Palacios as the likely next option after injuries limited him to 109 games over the past two seasons.
- As a veteran leader, Lowe provides continuity amid new ownership, a return to Tropicana Field, and ongoing ballpark searches.
Reasons to Trade Lowe
- High interest could yield a strong return, especially with alternatives like Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte available.
- Trading now allows the Rays to recoup value before free agency and reallocates his salary for roster improvements, such as bolstering the rotation—evidenced by discussions with the Diamondbacks involving Ryan Pepiot and Shane Baz in talks for Marte.
Potential lineup adjustments without Lowe might rely on power from Caminero, Aranda, Díaz, Cedric Mullins, and Josh Lowe, alongside enhanced defense.
