Pirates GM Gets Honest on Brandon Lowe's Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a major move prior to the 2026 season, acquiring second baseman Brandon Lowe in a three-team trade. Lowe had a strong season, slashing .260/.331/.493 with 35 home runs, 29 doubles, 96 RBIs, 94 runs, and an .824 OPS. 

The 32-year-old was their best hitter throughout the season, leading the team in home runs, RBIs, OPS, and WAR among qualified batters.

He now enters free agency and could be a target for multiple teams. If the Pirates want to retain him, it could be costly.

General manager Ben Cherington recently opened up about Lowe's free agency, stating that Pittsburgh wants to find a way to bring him back. 

Cherington said that he has been everything they hoped for as a player and has been great on and off the field. He added that there will be more conversations throughout October; they'll learn more about the opportunities that are out there this offseason. He finished by saying that it would be a great outcome if Lowe remains with the franchise.

The Pirates took a step in the right direction in the 2026 season, as they finished with an 82-80 record. Pittsburgh was closer to making it to the playoffs, but they didn't have enough to earn a Wild Card spot.

To improve in 2027 and end their 11-year playoff drought, the Pirates must re-sign Lowe while adding more bats to the lineup.

Pittsburgh will also look for some internal development from players like Konnor Griffin. Griffin appeared in 80 games, slashing .272/.324/.404 with six home runs, 15 doubles, four triples, 33 RBIs, 43 runs, and 23 stolen bases, with a .728 OPS.

The 20-year-old showed some great flashes, but they will want him to take the next step to help them reach the postseason after he was the 9th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Rafael Flores Jr. could also have a big role, as he appeared in 47 games, slashing .264/.331/.527 with 11 home runs, six doubles, 25 RBIs, 17 runs, and an .858 OPS. The 25-year-old provided power in the lineup.

With a full season, Flores could be a strong piece for the Pirates' offense. If Pittsburgh can add another productive bat or two in free agency along with re-signing Lowe, they will have a lineup capable of getting them into the postseason.

It may be pricey, but the Pirates must bring Lowe back, as he has the capability of leading the offense once again.