USA Today’s Bob Nightengale just dropped a truth bomb for the Pittsburgh Pirates, making it crystal clear: if this team actually wants to be taken seriously, they need to do whatever it takes to bring back Brandon Lowe. This dude, who crushed 35 homers this year, is a free agent this winter, and Nightengale’s not mincing words about what that means for their whole vibe moving forward. The 2026 season was a bust, missing the postseason again, but there’s a flicker of hope. And that hope hinges massively on Lowe.
Lowe’s Bat Is The Real Deal, And Pittsburgh Needs It
Let’s be real, Lowe isn’t just some slugger. He’s one of the best power-hitting second basemen in baseball, hands down. The Pirates snagged him last offseason in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, and he absolutely delivered in 2026. We’re talking 5.5 bWAR, 152 hits, a monster 35 home runs, 94 runs scored, 29 doubles, 96 RBIs, and 62 walks. Plus an .824 OPS. That’s a full-on offensive force right there! He’s a great infielder, too, so it’s not just about the pop. He’s 32, so there might be a “bit older” risk, but his upside? That’s exactly what a team that wants to contend needs. Period. This isn’t just about Paul Skenes returning to form next year; it’s about locking up a proven, elite bat.
Conservative Spending Could Sink Their Chances
Here’s where it gets dicey for the Pirates. Everyone knows their conservative spending plan has been a thing for years. Re-signing a player like Lowe should be a no-brainer for most MLB clubs, especially after the season he just put up. He’s one of the best sluggers out there, and a long-term deal just makes so much sense. But because of how Pittsburgh usually operates, there’s a real chance Lowe walks away for a new team this offseason. Nightengale straight up says losing Lowe would leave a “huge chasm” in their infield and create “serious questions about the offense moving forward.” That’s not just a problem, that’s a disaster if you’re trying to build a postseason contender.
So, the ball’s in the Pirates’ court. They missed the postseason in 2026, but the talk is about finally becoming a serious contender. If they don’t do everything possible to bring back Brandon Lowe, you gotta wonder if they’re actually serious about that goal. Their offseason moves, or lack thereof, will tell us everything about whether they’re truly ready to take that next step.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply