The Astros, Pirates and Rays have agreed to a big three-team trade, according to various reports. Each team’s end of the deal breaks down as follows…
- The Pirates send right-hander Mike Burrows to the Astros and receive second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and left-hander Mason Montgomery from the Rays.
- The Rays send second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and left-hander Mason Montgomery to the Pirates, receiving outfielder Jacob Melton and right-hander Anderson Brito from the Astros.
- The Astros send Jacob Melton and right-hander Anderson Brito to the Rays and receive right-hander Mike Burrows from the Pirates.
The Bucs have a full 40-man roster and will have to make two corresponding moves to make this official.
Lowe is the biggest name of the bunch here. The 31-year-old has spent the past eight seasons with the Rays. In that time, he has established himself as one of the better power-hitting second basemen in the sport. Dating back to the start of 2019, he has hit 151 home runs. Among primary second basemen, only Marcus Semien and Jose Altuve are ahead of him in that category, with Semien having 178 homers in that span and Altuve 158.
That power production from Lowe is even more impressive when one considers that he did that in about one thousand fewer plate appearances than Altuve and about 1,600 shy of Semien. But that also demonstrates the main knock on Lowe, which is that he has had trouble staying on the field. Due to various injuries over the years, he has only twice been able to play more than 107 games in a season. Lower back problems have been a frequent issue but he’s also hit the injured list due to a right shin bone bruise, a right triceps contusion, a right patella fracture, a right oblique strain, left oblique tightness and left ankle/foot tendinitis.
Earlier in his career, the Rays moved Lowe between second base and the outfield corners. Presumably because of the injuries, he hasn’t been sent out to the grass since 2022. He has been almost exclusively a second baseman lately, with a few stints at first as well. His second base defense was once around league average but seems to have slipped as he has battled those injuries and pushed into his 30s. He was given a minus-13 grade from Outs Above Average this year and minus-14 from Defensive Runs Saved.
There’s also a bit of concern from his declining plate discipline. He has always had a high strikeout rate but offset that earlier in his career with solid walk rates. That hasn’t been the case lately, as Lowe walked in fewer than 8% of his plate appearances in each of the past two years.
The power has still been enough to carry the profile. Dating back to the start of 2024, he has 52 home runs and a .251/.309/.475 batting line. That translates to a 118 wRC+, indicating his offense has been 18% above league average overall. Despite the defensive shortcomings, FanGraphs credited him with four wins above replacement in 241 games over that two-year span. He is going to make $11.5MM in 2026 before he’s slated to reach free agency.
Though Lowe is an imperfect player, he will be a big upgrade for the Pirates. They had almost no offensive prowess to speak of in 2025. Spencer Horwitz was the only Pirate to produce a wRC+ higher than 101.
While the Bucs had a clear lack of offense, they had a huge pile of pitching talent. Paul Skenes was the clear headliner but they had plenty of other exciting young arms in the mix. After several years struggling to return to contention, the Bucs came into this winter looking to get aggressive in upgrading the offense.
They made some spirited attempts in free agency, making competitive offers to Kyle Schwarber and Josh Naylor before the re-signed with the Phillies and Mariners respectively. Even if they had succeeded in one of those guys or someone else, it always seemed likely that they would use their stockpile of young arms to bolster the offense.
This is the second such trade of the offseason for the Bucs. They sent Johan Oviedo to the Red Sox earlier this month as part of a five-player swap, with outfielder Jhostynxon García coming back to Pittsburgh.
Lowe could jump in as the regular second baseman. The Bucs used guys like Jared Triolo, Nick Yorke and Nick Gonzales there in 2025 without anyone taking firm hold of the position. Given Lowe’s age, injury issues and defensive shortcomings, it’s also possible he sees significant time in the designated hitter slot. That would leave open some playing time for those guys, though Triolo and Gonzalez could also factor in at shortstop or third base.
Since Lowe is going into the final year of his deal, he’s just a one-year upgrade for the Pirates, though it’s possible they could make him a qualifying offer at season’s end if he has a healthy and productive campaign.
They had added yet another guy to their position player mix with Mangum, though he’s not likely to be a massive lineup boost. He got into 118 games with the Rays this year as a speed-and-defense guy with a contact-based approach. His 15% strikeout rate was lower than league average but he also only drew walks at a 4% clip and hit only three home runs. His .296/.330/.368 batting line translated to a 95 wRC+ but he stole 27 bases and got strong defensive grades in all three outfield slots.
Mangum has exactly one year of service time, meaning he’s at least two years from arbitration and five years from free agency. He also has a full slate of options, so he could be sent to Triple-A to serve as depth. The Bucs should have Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds in two outfield spots. One spot is available with guys like García, Jack Suwinski, Marco Luciano and others in the mix. Mangum could push for a regular role or a gig as a fourth outfielder, or he could end up in Triple-A, as mentioned. A lengthy optional assignment could delay his trajectory to arbitration and/or free agency.
More to come.
Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic first reported the elements of the deal. Alex Stumpf of MLB.com and Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com report that the deal appears done but is pending medical reviews.
Wow. Love a big trade.
Nutting loves a Lowe payroll.
He’s trying to spend just enough this year to avoid talk of a salary floor in the next CBA.
No one would ever agree to a cap without a floor in MLB. Players hopefully never agree to any cap at all; no need to make billionaire owners even wealthier.
Pirates need to capitalize and add anothef big bat in free agency,
But gotta admit thaf this is a huge step in the right direction.
Burrows will be good, but he was essentially Pirates 5 with how good their rotation is
me too… I’m not interested in any of the teams involved but love when multiple teams make trades…it’s always interesting to see what/who is involved
Wasn’t A’s Billy Beane who started three teams trades? He was masterful 🗣️
You can’t be serious.
You think Billy beane came up with the idea of three team trades? What? Is this Billy?
I seen Billy Beane on TV. He looked exactly like Brad Pitt
In the moneyball book, it talks about how he would often try to swing 3 team trades. It uses the example of getting Ted Lilly from the Yankees in a 3 team trade and him trying to get involved in a cliff Floyd trade. But he didn’t invent the concept as far as I know
It was invented by Abner Tripleday.
You’re welcome.
The Mets, Braves, Pirates, and Rangers pulled off a four-team trade in 1977..
That was also the year that I believe Dave Kingman became the first player to ever play for four major league teams in the same season.
Many more have played for four teams in one year, especially within the last 10 years or so (with so much more in-season roster churn than I remember there being in the “aughts” and earlier.
Hope this trade happens. This offseason has been lacking in the trade department so far.
The only way it won’t happen is if there is an issue with the medicals – otherwise this deal is done.
Hope everyone is healthy enough. Great haul for the Alleghenys if these guys pan out.
That’s a fun one. Let’s see it go down.
Something Cashman doesn’t know how to do a 3way. I guess he boring with the wife. Haha
Inserts Homer backing into the bushes gif…
You’ve seen him – who’d want him in such?
Let’s get a wife swap like Yankees did in 70s
Mike Kekich & Fritz Peterson, I believe
The Pablo Torre Finds Out episode on that wild story is worth watching.
Ahhh, they lived in my town. Shudder.
Spoke too soon, yikes the Rays really give up all three of those guys for 2 prospects??? Mason and Magnum were better alone.
Do it
Well the pirates spent guys there it goes
Is Montgomery going to the Pirates or Rays?
Looks like he would be going back to the Pirates.
he’s on the Rays right now
According to the headline, he’s getting traded to the team he’s already on.
yeah, may need less AI and more editing/proofreading.
Rays are going to trade him to the Pirates for a PTBNL, Pittsburgh fulfilling the conditions by making later happen now and sending him back to the Rays
I’m hoping these two teams, who have fleeced Pittsburgh over and over, would do the Bucs a solid here and not get over on Cherington and Co. too bad
They’re getting the best player right now in Lowe. Unless there are more pieces involved.
A one year rental of him though. Plus a 30 year old 4th OF and a warm body lefty for the pen. And if you believe the $30M to spend claim, that leaves about $12M to find a 3B and a DH, and ideally still want a corner OF. Meh.
Don’t discount Mangum and Montgomery. Montgomery throws 100, and Mangum is a super defender and a base disruptor. He never got the opportunity and he took advantage. All time hit leader in the SEC.
How do you get to $12M left? Lowe is owed $11.5M so we would have closer to $19 or 20M left over.
Yeah and I would absolutely take a basically average hitting outfielder as a throw-in for a trade where we get Lowe for our #6 pitcher.
Soto cost around $8M, right?
Looking at his defense and injury history, Lowe might be the DH, which would help.
if you are referring to Montgomery as a “warm body”, you obviously have not seen his stuff.
Ah yeah, forgot about Soto. Good point.
Still think this is a great trade. Absolutely improves the lineup (even if he ends up being a DH but I haven’t heard much about him not expected to play the field) immediately which is what we need.
Mangum plays all 3 OF spots and Garcia has to be an early favorite for RF.
DH will probably be McCutchen coming back at $5 million. 3B is tougher to fill but the Pirates could go trade or free agency. Both Urias’, Yoan Moncada, Paul DeJong, Gio Urshela, Luis Rengifo all could be had for less than $7 million and on the trade front they could try to make a deal with the White Sox (Vargas, Sosa, Mead, Ramos). Lots of ways to go. Of course they could probably Bring Pham back cheap or wait til the Phillies finally cut Castellanos and sign him for league minimum to help the OF/DH mix if McCutchen doesn’t come back
Pirates made out like well Pirates here. Best loot of the deal.
Let’s get a 5 team trade going
Preller on line 1.
jerry dipoto has entered the chat
3 more! Let’s get this done! Lol
Breslow and Cashman are napping. Call back later.
Better check the title. Mason Montgomery is already on Tampa Bay.
in fairness, it’s easy to get confused as the trade as written makes no sense for the rays
@moneyball. Im guessing brito is someone they like, but i can see them getting another player. It will be updated.
Rays like Brito. However, it’s not finalized and hope Astros get some more. Misevaluation of talent.
The Rays have been trying to dump Lowe all winter. He’s 32 next year and the highest paid player on the team and a rental. He is at this point a one trick pony. Hits HR’s but his contact rate is bad and his D at 2B has become well below average.
Yeah, the Rays have got to really like Brito to surrender one year of Lowe trading slightly down in my opinion from Mangum to Melton.
Lowe must be thrilled!
He is going to be treated like Bonds in Pittsburgh
Blockbuster addition!
I like Burrows, but I’ll totally be happy if it’s for Lowe, Mangum, and Montgomery. Lowe brings some power, Mangum can be a good leadoff man or 9th hole hitter, and Montgomery is a lefty who has some very impressive perpherials.
Yeah, depending on how this shakes out, this could be a total win for the Pirates if we give up Burrows and another prospect. Can’t imagine we’d just be giving up Burrows for this.
Burrows looked really good this year, especially down the stretch. I think if we’re giving up more than a lottery ticket low level prospect, it would be an overpay.
I agree if it was just Burrows for Lowe. But if we’re really getting the other two pieces as well, I’d be surprised if it’s just for Burrows even for his upside and years of control. But I would love to be wrong on this and see us win this trade.
Mangum is a fan favorite so it makes sense to trade him. Never let the fans get comfortable.
Well, he’s almost 30 and coming off his first season in the bigs. His 345 Babip was the only thing keeping his .330 OBP as high as it was. The .296 AVG will be coming down. Naturally the Rays are going to get what they can for him before the regression next year.
Mangum has good wheels so I’d assume he can keep that BABIP up for at least a couple more years. He’s basically gonna be a high-end 4th outfielder at league minimum for two more years so he’s definitely a nice piece for the Pirates to add.
I agree, Danzig. So long as Pittsburgh depends on Mangum as nothing more than the solid 4th OF that I think he can be for 2-3 more seasons, the Pirates will be fine.
Mangum as a 4th OF can become in all the best ways the exact opposite of Jack Suwinski (the only downside being Mangum’s lack of power).
Like any three team deal one side always looks shortchanged. I think Tampa got the bad end of this one.
The Rays often find a way to win trades like this, we’ll see how this one pans out for them
Screw Jim Bowden . As a pirate fan would be awesome to get meltin as opposed to mangum but he is a solid switch hitting outfielder who can play all three positions and he doesn’t strike out much Good trade all the way around
Pretty solid package going to Pittsburgh in the deal if it gets done. Kind of surprised the Astros and Rays are getting less unless there are other pieces to still be announced
Lowe is not very valuable. He’s a rental and worth about 1.5 WAR, and he makes $12m. He may actually be a little under water contract-wise. The only reason he has a little value is because the 2B market is so miserable.
Lowe wont play much 2B in Pittsburgh, I bet he DHs
It’s Rosenthal reporting so I don’t see it happening
I hope this trade does not happen as an Astros fan. Brito is going to be very good
There has to be more going to Tampa in this deal
Why? Seems about right to me and a classic Rays trade. Other than the fact that Mason Montgomery is not going to Tampa since he’s already there.
Record for longest MLBTR headline?
Yes, and inaccurate too!
Seriously. Don’t need to put the whole story in the headline
so the rays get trash in Melton and Brito and give up Montgomery’s Mangum and Lowe?
someone explain this with anything other than this is the rays being cheap
Just because you know nothing about the players doesn’t make them trash.
I guarantee I know more about these prospects than you do.
Melton is basically a young Mangum. Brito maybe could be a piece, but for what they are giving up, the return signifies this was about getting money out first.
You’re a sour Rays fan.
MLB Pipeline said that Brito can be the Astros No. 1 prospect at the end of the year. Melton is a 50 grade prosepcts. @Money you know no clue about the prospects.
that isn’t saying all that much as the Stros have one of the worst pipelines in the game. Brito is fine (maybe trash was harsh), but for what the rays are giving up???
Melton is basically a younger unproven Jake Mangum.
let’s be clear, this was about shedding money.
Astros have one of the worst pipelines yes. But you’re treating literally almost every prospect like a 40 grade prospect. Melton is a 50 grade and most farm systems only have at most 6.
(Unless you’re the Seattle Mariners or a goated farm team).
Nah. Not cheap. Maybe they are ahead of the other teams with their player evaluation. Always keep an eye on who the Rays trade away.
Payback from the Glasnow trade? Terrible return.
Astros have nothing to do with it.
Am i missing something with this headline? Mason Montgomery would be headed to Pitt, not Tampa
I’ve made no secret that I really want Lowe as a pirate. Fair salary for this season and has been on the market for a while, without seeming like a ton of interest. I think Burrows has looked very good. His stuff is real and plays in the majors. Maybe a bit steep considering one year of Lowe but other pieces help and still have Ashcraft and Chandler.
I do not think that Houston is that good at making trades.
I know Milwaukee and Tampa make good trades. Fregosi for Ryan was a great trade for the angels. Wouldn’t you hold on to Ryan if you had him.
What does the Fregosi/Ryan trade from 1971 have to do with Houston, Milwaukee, or Tampa?
Why do you trade Brito?
I’m not a fan of this trade. Trading Melton? Fine
However, I don’t like the fact they trade Brito and only get Burrows.
Hope this deal is not finalized.
Three teams going nowhere just shuffling the deck.
I liked Jake Mangum a lot more when I still thought his name was Jake Magnum.
@neverremember
The Pirates have arguably the best starting pitching staff in the majors and are a few good bats away from contending
So maybe do some research before making ridiculous assumptions
It works if Astros get another starter
chandler rome said burrows only player heading to hou if it happens….
If this trade term is completed, here’s my grade.
Rays-A-
PIrates-B
Astros-C
In other words, this is Mike Burrows for 2 prospects. Not worth it at all.
Wasn’t Lowe a pretty big trade chip? This doesn’t seem like a lot for the Rays in return. Especially if they are giving up two other pieces as well. Seems like there would have to be more pieces involved.
I wouldn’t say a big trade chip, probably the biggest they’re making available.
He is a two time AS second baseman on a relatively cheap deal in a market where there are a lot of contending teams that are looking for a 2B. To me, that says big trade chip. Not simply for the Rays, but the entire league.
If it’s Melton & Brito to the Rays the Rays will need to include more to the Pirates & Astros
@roadtrip. Pirates are probably done with the trade. Most likely someone going to the Astros. Its probably someone from the Pirates
The Rays are giving up the best piece in Brandon Lowe. Melton (#2) and Brito (#7) may be highly ranked on the Astros prospect list, but the Astros farm is not very strong. They only have 1 top 100 guy meaning #2 Melton is not. This would be like getting the #10 and #18 guys from a team like the Mariners or Dodgers. Not exactly a great return for Lowe, a proven commodity in a hot second base market.
This seems like an overpay from HOU. There may be other players involved, sure, but as written, two top 7 team prospects with one possibly top 2 next year and the other on the cusp of MLB for a possible back end starter if he doesn’t regress seems a bit much. It still doesn’t address any of the IF issues they have either.
Houston’s farm is not strong. Their #2 would barely crack the top 10 of a good farm. And their #7 might not even break the top 20.
WHAT IS HOU DOING???
I’m so angry with Dana Brown. Jim Crane fire this man ASAP
astros always overpay for pitching
This is a sufficient package for Shane Baz when you add Meyers. (Some Rays fans might get mad). But Dana Brown is stupid. Yes Burrows has lots of control some stuff, but Brito alone is better. Melton is unnessacary. Melton for Burrows sounds about right. Not adding Brito.
Agreed. Another Rays masterpiece.
Someone hold Dipoto’s beer.
Huh?? The Rays give up Lowe, Mangum, Montgomery, and get back 2 minor leaguers? Do the Rays feel guilty from the Glasnow trade from several years ago? There’s something missing here.
@always. Look at Brito numbers. He’s a high strikeout pitcher that caught the rays eye.
2 minor leaguers? Brito was solid in the AFL and Melton has big league experience.
Well, wasn’t familiar with them. They appear to be decent prospects. Pirates fans were saying Mangum who? He’s an excellent glove and a base disruptor.
Lowe is a rental, Mangum is old and sucks and they must not think Montgomery will throw strikes
Obviously you haven’t watched Mangum.
Rays come off VERY well here. As usual. They give up a rental 2B whose contract is about neutral, and get two very nice prospects. Don’t like this for Pitt at all.
Rays get an A- for this. Astros get a C-, Pirates get B-. They traded another valuable starter, Rays traded a offensive force, keeping them from an A+. The Pirates aren’t competing and Lowe is a rental, so it’s a B-. Astros get C- because they traded a lot for a starter. Burrows is a target keeping them and Melton has a 80% bust. They have Ullola, Pecko, Mayer, and Forcucci, as well as Nezuh, keeping them from F.
I like this for Pittsburgh. Mangum, while a late bloomer, is a fantastic hitter and has + speed. He immediately slots into a corner OF spot. Lowe becomes a middle of the order DH/2B, albeit for one year. Montgomery is very underrated in this deal, I suspect he will be a leverage lefty, but has a chance to move back into the rotation.
Pirates upgrade two hitters in their lineup and get a lefty high leverage reliever potentially.
They didn’t give up Bubba Chandler, they gave up a nice high floor arm, something they have in abundance.
For once I think the Pirates did very well.
Can we assume something’s off and there are more pieces involved?
Something’s off.
reports seem like its a done deal…
This would be a steal for the Pirates. I’m here for it.
People SERIOUSLY overvaluing Brandon Lowe. He’s a rental worth about 1.5 WAR and he costs $12m. Rays have been trying to move him all off-season.
By that theory, Ketel Marte is also overvalued because the DBacks have been shopping him all off season.
ITS NOT JUST LOWE the Pirates are getting. Good grief. Mangum was awesome last year, nearly hit .300, he is like Ted Williams in that lineup. And Montgomery is a excellent piece to bring in to help in the pen. And I could see the Pirates considering him in the rotation in another year or two.
Let’s goooooo! Great deal for the Pirates and if it doesn’t get finished I will be sad
Is it?
oh my god astros fans were doing this again, its happening
As an Orioles fan I’ll support any trade that gets Mangum the fuuuuuuuuuuugg out of the AL East. That dude is a menace!
Good trade for the Bucs!
Somebody better fix the headline.
How Lowe can you go?
The Pirates
The Astros see something in Mike Burrows. I swear if this is their only addition
Rays got nothing for this…must be making room for an big something or two. Salary dump and pretty good outfielder and pitcher….hmmm
Pretty good outfielder, pretty good pitcher. Get nothing? Huh? Melton will rank towards the top of the Rays system and Brito isn’t far behind.
Whoa. Look again dude. They got two excellent near-majors prospects for one year of Lowe and a disposable fourth OF. Brilliant.
Ketel Marte? Could they? Naaa.
Rays grade: A-
Astros: B
Pirates: B-
Rays got 2 solid prospects, only gave up 30 yr old rookie & 1 yr of lowe. The only way it works for pittsburgh is if they can compete for playoffs next yr which i doubt. Stros get solid young SP, but gave up good prospects to get him.
B? I think the Astros get a C-
Brito & melton have potential but far from guaranteed to find success @ major lg level. Melton hit .157 in his (limited) debut
Burrows has 100 ip in majors, has done fine. Hou does well developing pitchers (until they all get TJ). gave up a sizable amount but got a promising young arm
How do you grade a trade based on the team’s overall success? By that logic every team that made a major move last year that didn’t make the playoffs was a bust of a trade?
That list would Soto and Alonso since they didn’t take the Mets to the playoffs and Devers since the Giants missed out, to name just a couple.
I grade trades based on 3 main things.
1. The player’s profile
2. The team’s needs
3. What they gave up
4
There are plenty of paths for this to work out for the Pirates. The first one you mention. But Montgomery has the stuff to become something and have you seen the trade returns for decent relievers lately? And Mangum is a pretty high floor player who might have a bench ceiling but could also be a very good specialist role player. It’s a diverse package whereas they only gave up one piece. A pre arb back of the rotation starter has value but it’s spread out over time and probably doesn’t have a high impact in any one season. Though the Astros seem to be betting on their organization to make good starters out of raw ingredients this year and obviously like Burrows enough.
People will crap on the Pirates no matter what they do but objectively, this is a brilliant move by Cherington who I’ve no fan of. Never did I ever think we could get an impact bat AND another lefty reliever who throws gas AND a solid 4th outfielder for Burrows.
Well done.
BC did very well here. I’ve watched Mangum all last year, he’s fun to watch.
Yep, Im with you. Cherrington has really messed up over the years, but this one is a great move. They have immediately added TWO legit batters into the lineup. They add a very intriguing lefty reliever (who did have a lot of success as a starter in the minors).
Lowe can mostly DH and play some 2B, but PNC will play for lefty hitters. Lowe could go for 30 homers. Mangum is 30 and was sensational last year. If he gives the Pirates 2 or 3 good years this is a win for the Pirates.
I like Burrows, solid guy, but he’s not a super star in the making, He’s a high floor arm, who I think will do well, but considering the Pirates needs he was a logical trade chip. Now the Pirates need to find a way to get one more batter (preferably 3B), though I wouldn’t turn down a buy low on Joey Loperfido, even though he’s OF.
Brito’s scouting report:
mlb.com/milb/prospects/astros/anderson-brito-82090…
Burrows scouting report
mlb.com/milb/prospects/2024/pirates/mike-burrows-6…
I trust the Astros to turn Burrows into a good starter. I do not trust them to keep Burrows healthy. Burrows has a better ceiling but right now I think Brito has a better impact.
Pirates had to overpay a bit here but they desperately needed that power bat from Lowe (and Mangum should help a little, too). Now they should go all-out for Murakami, which will make them an actual contender in that division.
The Rays will still somehow win this deal when we look back at the trade seven years from now, it’s just how they operate time and time again
Myth. There are plenty of crappy trades the Rays have made. The Snell trade was awful for one. People acting like the Rays are perfect are so funny.
Respectfully, what are the Astros doing here. Burrows is a 4th or 5th starter, Brito had a higher upside not to mention they traded away a potential decent bat in Melton.
How Can Each Team Win the Trade?
Rays-Prospects Blossom Into Solid Players
Astros-Burrows becomes an ace
Pirates-Lowe becomes a star.
Pirates may have just climbed out of fifth place in the central
Per BTV
Pirates -$10.5
Astros -$12.4
Rays +$22.9
Lowe’s power numbers are in for a rude awakening when he gets to Pittsburgh. That AAA field he had at home this year was a launching pad.
O’s got Hose’d