It doesn't sound too great for the Pirates, but anything is possible.
As the Pittsburgh Pirates decide what to do this offseason, one of the bigger questions remains what the organization wants to do with veteran Brandon Lowe. It's interesting to think Lowe might not be on the roster next season after his campaign in Pittsburgh, his first since spending the first eight years of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lowe has been just as good as advertised, actually posting the highest bWAR of his career at 4.6. He currently has 31 home runs, 28 doubles and an .803 OPS.
Lowe has continued to swing the bat at a very high level, doing exactly what Pittsburgh has been asking him to do.
While he's 32 years old, recently turning 32 in July, there are some downsides to potentially paying him. There's a chance that a contending team could be looking at Lowe to come in and make a major impact, possibly giving him a one- or two-year deal for big money.
As for the Pirates, losing a player of his caliber would really be a big issue, even if the money is a bit much. However, according to the latest report, there's no guarantee Lowe will return.
“Good Tuesday to you, JC. Certainly not safe to assume Lowe is re-signed, though I'd definitely be in favor of it. If he comes back, third base would be my top priority. Heck, if he doesn't come back, third base is still probably my top priority, though I guess adding slug would be needed somewhere.
“As for the second need in a Lowe world, rotation depth would be important. Maybe a veteran catcher? Should they add a corner outfielder, or is Esmerlyn Valdez a guaranteed 2027 opening day starter? There's a couple of different routes they could take, but I'd agree that bringing Lowe back should be Plan A,” Colin Beazley wrote.
I don't know how the Pirates could look at their roster right now and not think they need a guy like Lowe.
The two-time All-Star has arguably been the best offensive player on the team, and it's probably been by a somewhat wide margin when really looking at the numbers.
That's not to say that he can't be replaced by adding another guy, but he's really fit in well with Pittsburgh, and if the money is there, there's no reason for him not to take it.
