Here’s a scenario that’s becoming all too familiar for Pittsburgh Pirates fans: the team misses out on a coveted free agent, leaving supporters wondering when the front office will finally land a big-name player. This time, it’s Jorge Polanco, the power-hitting infielder who slipped through their fingers and signed a lucrative deal with the New York Mets. But here’s where it gets interesting: the Pirates’ offseason isn’t over, and they have a golden opportunity to redeem themselves by targeting Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays. And this is the part most people miss—Lowe might actually be a better fit for the Pirates than Polanco, both on the field and in the budget.
The Pirates’ pursuit of Polanco was well-documented, with reports suggesting they were making a serious push to sign him (https://rumbunter.com/latest-jorge-polanco-buzz-gives-pirates-chance-to-top-mariners-with-a-ticking-clock). However, the Mets swooped in with a two-year, $40 million deal ($20 million AAV), leaving Pittsburgh empty-handed once again (https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/12/mets-to-sign-jorge-polanco.html). Now, all eyes should turn to Lowe, a player the Pirates have been strongly linked to (https://rumbunter.com/pirates-linked-to-dream-trade-fit-as-hunt-for-lefty-power-bat-heats-up-brandon-lowe). Why? Because Lowe’s profile as a power-hitting second baseman aligns perfectly with what the Pirates desperately need.
In 2025, Lowe posted a solid .256/.307/.477 slash line with a .334 wOBA and a 114 wRC+. He smashed 31 home runs in 553 plate appearances, showcasing the kind of power that’s been missing from Pittsburgh’s lineup. While his 26.9% strikeout rate and 6.9% walk rate were below average, his power more than compensated. Among qualified second basemen last season, Lowe’s .221 isolated slugging percentage (ISO) ranked third-best in the league. This isn’t a one-off performance, either—from 2021 to 2024, Lowe averaged a .231 ISO and consistently maintained a barrel rate of 10% or higher. In 2025, his 12.9% barrel rate placed him in the 81st percentile, and his .337 xwOBA and .476 xSLG% (second-best among primary second basemen) further highlight his elite power potential.
But here’s the controversial part: Lowe might actually be a safer bet than Polanco for 2026. Lowe’s exit velocity, barrel rate, and xSLG% were all superior to Polanco’s, with nearly identical xwOBA figures. Plus, Lowe is under team control for just one more season at $11.5 million—a bargain compared to Polanco’s $20 million salary. Acquiring Lowe wouldn’t require the Pirates to break the bank in prospects, either. A mid-tier pitching prospect like Levi Sterling or Zander Mueth, paired with a lower-tier asset, could be enough to convince Tampa Bay to part ways with their power-hitting second baseman.
Another factor working in Lowe’s favor? PNC Park. According to Statcast park factors (https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast-park-factors?type=year&year=2024&batSide=L&stat=index_wOBA&condition=All&rolling=3&parks=mlb), Tropicana Field was the second-least hitter-friendly park for left-handed batters from 2022 to 2024. Meanwhile, PNC Park ranked as the fifth-most hitter-friendly stadium for lefties during the same period. Moving from the Trop to PNC could unlock even more power from Lowe’s bat.
The Pirates’ need for power is undeniable. Last season, they ranked among the league’s worst in home runs (117) and ISO (.119), finishing as one of only three non-COVID teams in the past decade to hit fewer than 120 home runs. General manager Ben Cherington has faced criticism for his inability to land impact players, and missing out on Lowe would be yet another strike against him. If the Pirates want to compete in 2026, they must prioritize adding a proven power bat like Lowe, who offers both immediate impact and cost-effectiveness.
But what do you think? Is Brandon Lowe the right move for the Pirates, or should they focus elsewhere? And is Ben Cherington doing enough to build a competitive roster? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate Pirates fans can’t afford to miss.
