Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report just dropped a prediction that should have Pittsburgh buzzing, saying the Pirates are gearing up to lock down their beloved 21-homer infielder, Brandon Lowe, with a hefty three-year, $60 million contract extension by September. This isn’t just some casual rumor; it’s a forecast that signals a major shift for the Bucs, looking to solidify their core far beyond this season.
A Game-Changing Contract for the Steel City?
This deal, predicted to be in the neighborhood of $20 million per year, isn’t just chump change; it’s a statement. Lowe is only under club control through the current 2026 season, and he’ll hit free agency right after if they don’t move fast. Letting a player of his caliber walk would be a massive blunder, especially when the team is actively pursuing a postseason berth and looks like legitimate buyers at the trade deadline. A $20 million AAV would put Lowe tied for sixth among all second basemen with the New York Mets’ Jorge Polanco. When you consider the names ahead of him like Xander Bogaerts, Jose Altuve, Marcus Semien, Nico Hoerner, and Gleyber Torres, that price tag for a player of Lowe’s impact doesn’t look outrageous at all. The total $60 million would rank eighth in MLB, which is serious commitment.
Why Brandon Lowe Is Worth Every Penny
So, why is this 32-year-old infielder so crucial? Just look at his numbers this season: Lowe is hitting .246 with an .803 OPS and a 117 OPS+. He’s smashed 21 homers, racked up 88 hits, 59 runs scored, 21 doubles, one triple, and driven in 64 RBIs. Plus, his 3.0 bWAR tells you everything you need to know about his all-around value. He’s been absolutely incredible and is a key part of what’s become an elite offense for the Pirates. He’s not just a good player; he’s “just that important to the franchise,” as the report puts it. This isn’t a hypothetical; this is a player delivering now.
If this prediction comes true, it means the Pirates aren’t just making a run this season; they’re building for the future, ready to keep their promising offense intact. This move would cement Lowe as a foundational piece for years to come, signaling to the rest of the league that Pittsburgh is serious about competing. It’s an exciting time to be a Pirates fan, as this extension would mean their front office is committed to winning.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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