Brandon Lowe has made an immediate impact with the Pittsburgh Pirates following his trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 31-year-old second baseman is already contributing at a high level with strong offensive numbers and improved defense.
Lowe was sent to Pittsburgh in a three-team deal with one year remaining on his six-year contract. Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander kept him informed throughout the process. The Pirates' front office simply asked him to continue what he had been doing in Tampa. In his early time with Pittsburgh, Lowe has hit 15 home runs with an .858 OPS and is on pace for 100 RBIs. He avoided serious injury after fouling a ball off his right knee on Saturday and is in contention for his third All-Star selection. Manager Don Kelly and infield coach Chris Truby have highlighted his consistent approach and leadership. Lowe has also mentored rookie middle infielder Konnor Griffin. The 20-year-old said Lowe has taken him under his wing and provided valuable guidance from his experience in World Series games. Defensively, Lowe worked with Truby on a new pre-pitch