"Trade speculation on Lowe is an annual offseason tradition. His salaries have escalated over the course of the extension he signed in Spring Training 2019. They've remained below market value for one of the better offensive middle infielders in the sport. That surely has led to a lot of trade interest over the years, but the Rays have valued Lowe highly enough to not bite on anything they've been offered thus far."
"Lowe featured prominently on MLBTR's list of the Top 40 Trade Candidates coming into the offseason. The 31-year-old is coming off another solid year. Lowe hit 31 home runs, the second most of his career and tying him with Jazz Chisholm Jr. for most by a second baseman. He hit .256/.307/.477 across 553 plate appearances. Lowe has had an above-average bat in every season of his career."
"The bat has been Lowe's calling card throughout his career. That's even more the case as he gets into his 30s. He's a below-average runner and graded as the game's worst defensive second baseman this year by Statcast's Outs Above Average (-13). He was third from the bottom with a -14 mark by Defensive Runs Saved. Lowe hasn't had much defensive versatility throughout his career. He has a little bit of corner outfield experience."
Brandon Lowe will attract trade interest this winter as he enters the final pre-free-agency season following the Rays' $11.5MM option pick-up that makes him the club's second-highest-paid player. Annual trade speculation stems from a contract that has paid him below market for a top offensive middle infielder, and the Rays have previously declined offers. The 31-year-old produced 31 home runs and a .256/.307/.477 line in 553 plate appearances, maintaining an above-average bat throughout his career. Defensive shortcomings include poor running and very low Statcast OAA (-13) and DRS (-14), with limited defensive versatility beyond some corner outfield and first base appearances. The Rays have other options at first base/DH, leaving middle-infield depth as a team consideration.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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