Pirates speeding toward massive makeover in three-team Astros, Rays trade

UPDATE: This trade has now reportedly been completed, per Jeff Passan, with plenty more coverage to come on the site.

The Pirates' activity on the free agent and trade markets have already reached an astounding new level this offseason if their offer to Kyle Schwarber, Gregory Soto signing, and Johan Oviedo trade are any indication, but there's still a lot more to be done if fans are going to buy the team's newfound interest in actually competing.

On Friday, Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported a trade in the works that could officially kick their offseason into high gear.

A huge three-team trade between the Pirates, Rays, and Astros would create a massive shuffle all around. Rome's initial reporting had Pirates starter Mike Burrows going to Houston and second baseman Brandon Lowe coming to Pittsburgh. Rosenthal followed to add outfielder Jacob Melton and pitcher Anderson Brito going from the Astros to Rays, and outfielder Jake Mangum and lefty pitcher Mason Montgomery from Rays to Pirates.

Nothing is completed yet, but if this trade holds up, the Pirates would add three players in one fell swoop.

Pirates reportedly in deep talks with Astros, Rays on massive three-team trade involving six players

There's a lot to dissect here. Burrows is the only player currently expected to leave Pittsburgh, but one would have to imagine that the Pirates will also have to send something the Rays' way if they're going to get all of Lowe, Mangum, and Montgomery. Burrows had a respectable enough 2025 season and is controllable for years to come, but it feels unlikely that he's all that the Pirates will have to give up in such a huge deal.

And if he is the only one? Ben Cherington might deserve a pat on the back this one time.

Lowe is the clear headliner for the Pirates' expected return; he's a two-time All-Star, was a Rookie of the Year finalist, and a two-time MVP candidate. There's some notable pop in his bat, and in all of his eight years in the major leagues, he has never posted an OPS+ below league average. He hit .256 with a .785 OPS in 2025, his second All-Star season. Even though his defense leaves a lot to be desired, he would be a massive offensive upgrade from any of Nick Yorke, Nick Gonzalez, and Jared Triolo.

Let's hope that this one actually goes through. If it does, it could be the biggest offseason splash the Pirates have successfully made in years.