Major League Baseball's offseason could be set for a significant shakeup, with a blockbuster three-team trade reportedly in the works. According to a Wednesday report from The Athletic, the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, and Pittsburgh Pirates are engaged in active discussions on a complex deal that would reshape their respective rosters.
The Proposed Framework: Players on the Move
The trade talks, as detailed by reporters Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal, revolve around power hitting, pitching help, and young talent. The current framework of the deal is multi-faceted and involves several key players moving between the three American League clubs.
The headline piece of the potential swap is Tampa Bay Rays' second baseman Brandon Lowe. The 31-year-old slugger, a cornerstone of the Rays' lineup when healthy, would be sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lowe is coming off a strong 2025 campaign where he batted .256 with 31 home runs and 83 RBIs, reaffirming his status as one of the premier power-hitting second basemen in the game. Since 2019, only Marcus Semien and Jose Altuve have hit more homers from that position.
In addition to Lowe, the Pirates would also acquire Rays outfielder Jake Mangum and left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery if the agreement is finalized.
To facilitate the move, Pittsburgh would send 26-year-old right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros. Burrows posted a 3.94 ERA during the 2025 season, and Houston is keen on adding pitching depth to address recent injury and workload concerns.
What Tampa Bay Rays Would Gain
For the Rays, this trade aligns with their famous model of managing payroll while stockpiling future assets. In return for parting with Brandon Lowe and others, Tampa Bay would receive prospects from the Astros' system.
Outfield prospect Jacob Melton and right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito are the players slated to head to the Rays, as confirmed by Ken Rosenthal. Melton is viewed as a promising young outfielder with considerable upside, while Brito adds another arm to Tampa Bay's deep pitching development pipeline.
Lowe's contract, which runs through the 2026 season, presents a key decision point for the cost-conscious Rays as they balance immediate competitiveness with long-term financial and strategic planning.
Potential Impact and Deal Status
This proposed trade addresses specific needs for all three franchises. The Pittsburgh Pirates, who struggled offensively last season, would get the middle-of-the-order power bat they desperately need in Brandon Lowe. The Houston Astros would bolster their pitching staff with a controllable arm in Mike Burrows. The Tampa Bay Rays would continue their cycle of acquiring and developing young, cost-controlled talent.
However, it is crucial to note that the deal is not yet finalized. Sources indicate that talks are ongoing, and the framework could change or the agreement could fall apart altogether. The Rays have also been linked to Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, suggesting they have alternative plans to address their infield should this three-team trade not materialize.
If completed, this transaction would be one of the most impactful moves of the early MLB offseason, demonstrating the complex, strategic nature of team building in modern baseball.
