Tampa Bay Rays eye major three-team trade with Astros and Pirates featuring Brandon Lowe: Report

Brandon Lowe could be on the move soon. The Tampa Bay Rays are in active talks on a possible three-team trade with the Houston Astros and the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to reports on Wednesday from The Athletic.

The deal is still being discussed, but it could change all three rosters before the MLB offseason moves forward.The talks involve power, pitching, and young talent. If completed, the trade would send Brandon Lowe out of Tampa Bay after several strong seasons. It would also give Houston pitching help and allow Pittsburgh to add a much-needed bat to its lineup.

Brandon Lowe headline piece in Rays, Astros, and Pirates trade talks

According to The Athletic reporters Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal, the current framework sends Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lowe is 31 years old and has been one of Tampa Bay’s top hitters when healthy.In the 2025 season, Brandon Lowe hit .256 with 31 home runs and 83 RBIs. He remained one of the best power-hitting second basemen in baseball. Since 2019, only Marcus Semien and Jose Altuve have more home runs at the position. The Pirates are looking for offense after struggling to score runs last season. Brandon Lowe would give them power in the middle of the order right away.

Pittsburgh would also receive Rays outfielder Jake Mangum and left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery if the deal goes through.

Lowe’s contract runs through the 2026 season, which makes this a key decision point for Tampa Bay as it looks to balance payroll and long-term planning.In the same deal, the Pittsburgh Pirates would send right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros. Mike Burrows is 26 years old and posted a 3.94 ERA during the 2025 season.

Houston is looking to add pitching depth after dealing with injuries and workload issues.Tampa Bay would receive Astros outfield prospect Jacob Melton and right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito. Ken Rosenthal reported, “If completed, outfielder Jacob Melton and right-hander Anderson Brito would head to the Rays.”Jacob Melton is viewed as a strong young outfield prospect with upside. Anderson Brito gives Tampa Bay another arm to develop. The Rays are known for building depth through trades like this.There is still work to be done. Talks are ongoing, and nothing is final yet. Tampa Bay has also been linked to Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, which suggests backup plans are in place if this deal falls apart.Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox Eye Power Upgrade In Munetaka Murakami As Experts Predict Bo Bichette 2B Transition