The Brandon Lowe acquisition is paying off for the Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (5). Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Brandon Lowe acquisition is paying off for the Pirates

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 16, 2026 1:06 PM ET

Back in December 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Brandon Lowe in a blockbuster three-team trade, and it's panning out to be the best trade of the offseason for them. He's helped fill the offensive void that was a black hole at second base.

He's brought elite All-Star production at second base. Among second basemen in MLB, he ranks first in home runs (11) and RBI (30). As well, he ranks second in slugging (.547) and third in OPS (.900), while also tied for third in wRC+ (149) and fWar (1.8).

Brandon Lowe's ranks among 2B:

HR: 1st (11)
RBI 1st (30)
SLG: 2nd (.547)
OPS: 3rd (.900)
wRC+: T-3rd (149)
fWAR: T-3rd (1.8)

One of the best acquisitions of the entire offseason! pic.twitter.com/s3ZahHuUBh
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 15, 2026

How the Brandon Lowe acquisition has upgraded the Pirates

Since acquiring Lowe, he has had a significant impact offensively by dishing out reliable run support. He's also boasting with a 13.1 % walk rate (81st percentile).

His immediate impact and veteran presence have contributed to the team's success, as they are looking to remain competitive in the NL Central. With a solid barrel rate of 13.3% (81st percentile), he's racked up 22 extra-base hits as a pull-heavy, left-handed hitter.

His strong OBP of .352 makes him a threat in the lineup alongside Oneil Cruz, which ultimately bolsters the offensive output in the lineup.

Overall, he's provided the Pirates with a middle-of-the-order power bat, which was a key component missing from their roster. He's transformed an offense that was ranked last in home runs, runs, and OPS last season.

His consistent power surge has been on display, with three multi-homer games already recorded this season. As well, going 2-for-5 with two home runs against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 15.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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