Pittsburgh Pirates: Four Trade Targets Based On Winning Percentage Added

Brandon Lowe - WPA: +1.16

The Tampa Bay Rays may look to move second baseman Brandon Lowe. The slugging second baseman would definitely add some thump to any line-up he is a part of. With the Pirates needing at least one guy who can play on the right side of the infield, Lowe could be a good fit for the Pirates.

In 436 plate appearances, Lowe posted a solid .231/.328/.443 triple-slash, along with a .331 wOBA, and 117 wRC+. Lowe’s 27.3% strikeout rate was the worst in his career, but his 11.5% walk rate was the best in his career. Lowe has always been a good power hitter and clocked in with 21 home runs and a .212 isolated slugging percentage.

Lowe has never been a great defensive second baseman, but 2023 was one of his better seasons with the leather. While defensive runs saved pegged him at -5, outs above average had him at +4. He may not win any Gold Gloves, but he can hold his own at second base.

Lowe turned in a +1.16 WPA, which was seventh among players whose primary position in 2023 was second base. It’s more than Gleyber Torres, Marcus Semien, and Nolan Gorman.

Another positive is that Lowe has multiple years of control remaining, all of which are affordable. He will be paid $8.75 million in 2024 and then has two team options for 2025 and 2026. The first is valued at $10.5 million, with the second coming in at $11.5 million. For a 3.0 fWAR second baseman who can provide 25 home runs and above-average offensive production, less than $12 million a year is a very good deal.