Pirates Acquiring All-Star Slugger In Blockbuster 3-Team Trade

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pirates are acquiring the power bat long lacking in their offense in a blockbuster three-way trade between Pittsburgh, the Tampa Bay Ray and the Houston Astros, according to multiple reports on Friday.

Coming to Pittsburgh is Tampa second baseman Brandon Lowe, who made the All-Star team in 2025. He hit 31 homers and had 85 RBIs to go along with a .785 OPS. He will be in the final year of his contract in 2026.

The Pirates also are receiving outfielder Jack Mangum and pitcher Mason Montgomery.

In return, Bucs' starting pitcher Mike Burrows is headed for Houston.

The Rays are getting outfielder Jacob Melton and right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito from the Astros. According to MLB.com, Metlon is Houston's second-rated prospect and Brito is ranked seventh.

USA Today gave the Pirates a B+ grade on the trade.

"Hey now! Lowe is a seasoned vet who hit 31 dingers last year and has hit at least 21 in each of his last three seasons," the newspaper stated.

"It's a move for a solid vet who can mash. Mangum knocked in 40 RBI last season while hitting .296, so that could be seriously helpful to the lineup. And Montgomery could be decent as a lefty out of the bullpen."