Pirates, Rays, and Astros Swing Three-Team Trade

Report: Pirates, Rays, Astros Complete Blockbuster Trade Involving Brandon Lowe

Pirates Get

For weeks now, Ben Cherington and the Pirates have been trying to poach lefty-hitting Brandon Lowe from the Rays, and now he does in this big trade. Over 134 games, Lowe posted a .256 batting average with 31 home runs and 83 RBI. This resulted in an All-Star selection in 2025. Power is something the Pirates desperately needed in their lineup, and Lowe will provide that.

The Pirates are also receiving outfielder Jake Mangum from the Rays. In a breakout 2025, Mangum in 118 games posted a strong .296 batting average with 120 hits, three home runs, and 27 stolen bases. Compared to Lowe, Mangum is more of a contact bat and on-base guy, someone who the Pirates offense should benefit from. 

The final piece the Pirates got in the deal is lefty Mason Montgomery. Originally groomed as a starter, Montgomery underwent a shift in late 2023 and 2024 when the Rays transitioned him to a high-leverage relief role. This move unlocked significant velocity, as his four-seam fastball jumped into the upper 90s, occasionally touching 99 mph. He made his MLB debut in September 2024, flashing immense potential by recording a 1.86 ERA and a staggering 45.9% strikeout rate in his first nine appearances. This performance established him as a premier power-lefty option in the Rays’ bullpen heading into 2025 and will fit nicely in the Pirates’ bullpen.

Rays Get

The Rays will be receiving two players in the deal. The first is starter Anderson Brito from the Astros. While he is not ready for the big leagues as of yet, Brito’s 2025 season with High-A Asheville was a mixture of dominance and a mid-season setback. Through 12 starts, he maintained his status as a premier strikeout artist, recording 65 strikeouts in 49 1/3 innings and a respectable 3.28 ERA. However, his season was interrupted in late June when he was placed on the injured list with a stress reaction in his shoulder, an injury that sidelined him for the final two months of the minor league regular season.

The Rays will also be getting outfielder Jacob Melton from the Astros in the deal. Melton made his major league debut on June 1, 2025, where he recorded his first hit against the Rays, the team he now joins. However, his MLB tenure was rocky. Over 32 games, he struggled to find his timing, batting just .157 with no home runs and a high 37.2% strikeout rate in 70 at-bats. His momentum was further stalled by a right ankle sprain on June 13 that sent him to the injured list. Despite the low batting average, Melton’s elite speed remained a bright spot. He successfully swiped seven bases in limited action and maintained a -0.3 WAR. Heading into 2026, he remains a top bounce-back candidate if he can translate his Triple-A power to the big-league level and stay healthy for a full season.

Astros Get

The Astros get just one player in the deal – starter Mike Burrows from the Pirates. Burrows’ 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates was a productive first full campaign following his recovery from 2023 surgery. Over 23 major league appearances (19 starts), the right-hander posted a 3.94 ERA and a 1.240 WHIP across 96 innings pitched. He demonstrated strong strikeout ability, racking up 97 strikeouts and a 7.7% walk rate. He should help an Astros rotation likely losing Framber Valdez to free agency.

Trade Winner

The Pirates clearly won the Brandon Lowe trade, and the National League Central, as always, is up for grabs in 2026. With Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Jared Jones leading the Pirates’ rotation, and the additions so far to the offense, there is no reason Pittsburgh should not be a playoff team.