Where the Pirates Stand With Brandon Lowe’s Free Agency

The key narrative surrounding the Pittsburgh Pirates since the offseason began has been Brandon Lowe’s free agency. Re-signing the 32-year-old is unequivocally the team's biggest priority this offseason. 

The All-Star second baseman was arguably the team’s best all-around player in 2026 and one of the key reasons for their 11-win improvement from the year before. However, after just one year in Pittsburgh, there’s a chance Lowe could move on to a new city.

That said, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said on Tuesday at the GM Meeting in Las Vegas that the team has had conversations with Lowe and his agent, and they’ve been “good."

Cherington also reiterated that he hopes Lowe ends up back with the Pirates next year, but the sides are taking it one step at a time.

As far as any other details are concerned, that’s where Lowe’s free agency with the Pirates stands right now.

It may not be the news many were hoping for, but it was available just a few days ago: Lowe and the Pirates are talking, but no new deal appears imminent based on the executives' comments.

Whether a deal actually gets done remains to be seen.

Another important piece to Lowe’s free agency is that the Pirates did extend the qualifying offer to him about a week ago. That represents a one-year deal worth $23.15 million.

If anything, Pittsburgh offering that contract to the free agent at least signals that the front office is serious about bringing him back. (The extra draft pick if Lowe signs elsewhere doesn’t hurt, either.)

Lowe has until November 17 to either accept or decline the qualifying offer from the Pirates. Even if it is declined, that wouldn’t rule out a return to Pittsburgh.

Just as the Pirates are actively trying to re-sign Lowe, other teams across baseball are getting into the mix, too, and the competition for the prized free agent appears to be heating up.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that several American League East teams, namely the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays, had some level of interest in Lowe. All three teams need a second baseman, and Lowe is the best on the market.

Where Lowe ends up signing this offseason is still anyone’s guess.

Cherington confirmed he’s had talks with Lowe’s agent about staying in Pittsburgh, but that doesn’t guarantee he’s still a Pirate on Opening Day.