Introduction
Josh Lowe, the talented outfielder originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays, continues to make headlines in Major League Baseball (MLB) as the 2025-26 offseason unfolds. With major trades reshaping team compositions, including a three-team deal that sent Lowe to the Los Angeles Angels, fans and analysts alike are weighing the impact of this move on player careers and franchise futures. Meanwhile, discussions about Brandon Lowe, another notable MLB player linked with the Rays, have created additional buzz around roster building and contract strategies. In this article, we dissect all of the latest information — including trades, contracts, career highlights, and expert insights — to break down what’s next for these athletes and their teams.
Who Is Josh Lowe?
Josh Lowe, born on February 2, 1998, was a first-round draft pick (13th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016, signaling high expectations from the very start of his professional career. His athleticism, plate discipline, and skill in both hitting and base running made him one of the Rays’ most promising prospects. Over the next several years, he developed into a key player for the franchise, showcasing both power and speed.
In 2023, Lowe had a standout year, batting .292 with 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases, a rare performance that hinted at All-Star potential. Despite injuries that limited his playing time in subsequent seasons, including oblique issues, his combination of tools keeps him on the radar of clubs looking for impact offense and defensive versatility.
Josh Lowe’s Recent Trade
On January 16, 2026, a major three-team MLB trade was finalized involving the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, and Cincinnati Reds. In this deal:
-
Josh Lowe was traded from the Rays to the Angels.
-
The Rays received infielder Gavin Lux from the Reds and pitcher Chris Clark from the Angels.
-
The Reds acquired left-handed reliever Brock Burke.
This move marks a pivotal moment in Lowe’s career. After a couple of seasons hampered by injuries and inconsistent production, this trade offers a fresh start with the Angels — and a chance to reestablish his star trajectory. Given his arbitration eligibility and three years of club control, the Angels may see him as a core piece of their outfield for the near future.
What This Means
For the Rays, the trade represents a shift in direction. After a disappointing season in 2025, Tampa Bay appears focused on acquiring players who can contribute immediately while reshaping the roster. Lux brings positional flexibility and a solid bat, while Clark adds pitching depth to a system stocked with pitching prospects.
For the Angels, obtaining Lowe means injecting athleticism and a potentially impactful bat into their lineup. If he regains the form he showed in 2023, Lowe could become a foundational piece for their offense.
Josh Lowe’s Career Stats
Over his time with the Rays, Lowe compiled:
-
43 home runs
-
79 stolen bases
-
A combined 101 wRC+ across 403 games
-
A reputation for speed and above-average athleticism
Despite the struggles of the past two seasons, these numbers highlight his potential if he can stay healthy and play consistently.
Contract Situation: Josh Lowe
In the 2025 season, Josh Lowe agreed to a one-year contract worth approximately $2.6 million with the Rays to avoid arbitration. This deal was modest for a player with his tools but provided team flexibility and Lowe the chance to prove himself again on the field.
Now with the Angels, Lowe’s arbitration status carries over, giving his new team three years of control before free agency. If he performs at a high level, the Angels can benefit hugely from team control at a reasonable salary.
Brandon Lowe and the Rays: What’s Happening?
While Josh Lowe was traded in January 2026, Brandon Lowe, a veteran second baseman and two-time All-Star, was also part of major offseason movement.
Earlier in the 2025-26 offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Brandon Lowe from the Rays in a three-team trade involving the Houston Astros. In that deal, Lowe’s experience and power bat were a key part of the return for Pittsburgh, who looked to bolster their offense after a rough showing in 2025.
Brandon Lowe’s Career and Contract
Brandon Lowe has been an impactful offensive contributor during his time with the Rays — including multiple seasons with 20+ home runs — and earned All-Star honors twice (2019 and 2025), solidifying his reputation as one of the better second basemen in the game.
His 2026 salary is projected to be around $11.5 million, and he is set to become a free agent after the World Series. This contract makes him an accessible yet valuable bat for a Pirates lineup in need of veteran production.
How These Moves Affect the Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have become known for their analytic approach to roster building, often leveraging player trades and contracts to maintain competitive balance while staying financially flexible. Trading Josh Lowe and Brandon Lowe represents a shift toward:
-
Adding positional depth with players like Gavin Lux
-
Acquiring pitching talent to support long-term rotation goals
-
Adjusting to offseason performance and roster needs
Follow-up moves through free agency and international signings will reveal whether Tampa Bay is planning to compete in the short term or rebuild for future contention.
Josh and Brandon Lowe: Family and Background
It’s worth noting that despite sharing a last name and both wearing the Rays uniform earlier in their careers, Josh and Brandon Lowe are not directly related. They each carved their own paths to MLB success.
Josh’s emergence as an athletic, versatile outfielder complements Brandon’s more traditional power profile and defensive reliability. Both have earned dedicated fan followings and respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Key Takeaways
Josh Lowe
-
Traded to the Angels in January 2026 three-team deal.
-
One-year, $2.6M contract prior to trade with arbitration control for the coming years.
-
High potential if healthy — still in prime athletic years.
Brandon Lowe
-
Traded to the Pirates in a separate three-team deal from the Rays.
-
Veteran bat with two All-Star appearances.
-
Projected $11.5M salary with free agency looming.
FAQs About Josh Lowe and Rays MLB Moves
Q1: Was Josh Lowe traded in 2026?
Yes — as part of a three-team deal, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Josh Lowe to the Los Angeles Angels.
Q2: What team did Brandon Lowe go to?
Brandon Lowe was traded from the Rays to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a multi-team offseason trade.
Q3: Are Josh and Brandon Lowe related?
No, they share the same last name but are not biologically related. Their simultaneous presence on the Rays is coincidental.
Q4: What kind of contract did Josh Lowe have before his trade?
Josh Lowe agreed to a one-year contract worth about $2.6M to avoid arbitration with the Rays before being traded.
Q5: How will these trades impact the Rays?
The trades give the Rays flexibility to acquire new talent and potentially rebuild or retool their roster, emphasizing depth and future payroll management.
Q6: What do the Angels get with Josh Lowe?
The Angels acquire a player with a strong blend of speed, power, and athleticism who could thrive in a new environment and return to his 2023 form.
Conclusion
The MLB offseason of 2025-26 has reshaped the landscape for players like Josh Lowe and Brandon Lowe, showcasing the volatility and strategic maneuvering at the highest levels of baseball. For Jays, Angels, and Pirates fans alike, the ripple effects of these moves will play out over the coming season and beyond. Whether it’s contract control, roster flexibility, or future trade value, these developments reflect the ongoing balance between performance and business in modern baseball.
Leave a Reply