3 alternate Pirates trade paths we foresaw before Brandon Lowe talks blossomed

So far, the Pirates have whiffed on adding a power bat to their lineup. Despite rumors of an offer to Kyle Schwarber, Pittsburgh remains the underwhelming group that finished at the bottom of the majors in most offensive categories. Luckily, the Pirates have a wealth of pitching talent that could entice trade partners. It seems they are hurtling towards a deal with the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays that involves Mike Burrows and Brandon Lowe, which could bring exactly what Pittsburgh needed.

However, there was a less complicated path to a similar outcome. Here's what we predicted before things started bubbling up.

3. Pirates get Brandon Lowe, send Levi Sterling and Darell Morel to the Rays

With Jorge Polanco is off the table, a pivot to second baseman Brandon Lowe made all the sense in the world for the Pirates. Lowe is among the best-hitting second basemen in the league, and although he’s entering his walk year, the Pirates have the payroll flexibility to offer him a contract extension if the partnership goes well. We had the same idea as the Bucs, but a difference of opinion on how to get there.

The Pirates may need to turn to the trade market to find the slugger they need.

While Zander Mueth’s name has floated to the surface in mock trades throughout the offseason, 19-year-old starter Levi Sterling may be a more attractive player to offer to Tampa Bay. Sterling has a strong foundation with a solid, repeatable delivery, but he lacks command. The Rays just happen to be one of the best organizations when it comes to “fixing” pitchers. Mueth seems more likely to transition to the bullpen at some point in his career, which could scare off the Rays. Third baseman Darell Morel, a high-risk/high-reward 18-year-old, would be the icing on the cake.

2. Pirates get Jeff McNeil, send Dominic Perachi to the Mets

Between trading for Marcus Semien and signing Jorge Polanco, the Mets have left utility man Jeff McNeil without a job. Sure, he could play outfield, but New York may put an end to that possibility with another big signing. McNeil is a tailor-made Pirates guy, a bit like Adam Frazier.

If the Mets are willing to eat some of McNeil’s $15.75 million salary, Pittsburgh could dangle a prospect that is close to big-league ready like lefty Dominic Perachi, who could serve as a swingman. The Mets have about as many talented pitching prospects as the Pirates, but Perachi could fill out the farm system behind the guys like Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, and Nolan McLean.

1. Pirates get Jasson Domínguez, send Mike Burrows to the Yankees

This one is contingent on Bellinger returning to the Yanks, but if that deal does happen, the Pirates should be calling to ask about former top prospect Jasson Domínguez. Right-hander Thomas Harrington should be the first name out of the Pirates’ mouth, but the starter’s inexperience won’t fit New York’s needs. Instead, Mike Burrows, who more than held his own as a member of the Bucs’ rotation in 2025, would've served as a nice stopgap as the Yankees await Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón’s return from injury. Meanwhile, the Pirates would get a switch-hitting power-speed threat that presents a massive upgrade in left field.

Alas, the universe had other plans.