Athletics linked to Rays for trade of two-time All-Star infielder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Athletics aren't likely to be the biggest spenders this winter, but they could look to improve a few areas of the roster. Adding a closer to replace Mason Miller is an obvious choice for the Athletics front office this offseason.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut, instead of spending big on free agent targets, they could use their strong crop of prospect talent to trade for players that are either rentals or long-term options.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic, if the Athletics are buying in the trade market, a two-time All-Star Tampa Bay Rays infielder would be a realistic option.
Athletics linked to Rays in trade for Brandon Lowe
"The Rays have spent years pondering the possibility of trading second baseman Brandon Lowe." Rosenthal and Woo write. "Now, with Lowe set to earn $11.5 million in the final year of his contract, the possibility might finally become real. ... The Athletics and San Francisco Giants are among the other clubs seeking to upgrade at second base."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBrandon Lowe would be a quality upgrade for the Athletics at second base. He's only under contract for one year $11.5 million, with the Rays exercising their club option.
It's a one-season rental for the Athletics, but if they trade for him in the offseason, they could improve the roster through the first half of the season, and potentially try for a Wild Card spot in the AL postseason.
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The two-time All-Star second baseman wouldn't cost too much, and if the Athletics aren't in postseason contention by the trade deadline, they could ship Lowe off to another club and recoup some of the capital they spent on him.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLowe was an All-Star in 2025, and he played 134 games, hitting .256 with a .785 OPS. But, before the All-Star break, Lowe was hitting .272 with an .811 OPS and 19 home runs in 84 games.
If he can get back to that first-half pace from 2025, then the Athletics, or any team trading for Lowe, could have one of the best-hitting second basemen in the Major Leagues.
Lowe would be an interesting fit for the Athletics, and as Rosenthal and Woo report, the Athletics are one of a few teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants, eyeing upgrades at second base.
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