The Los Angeles Angels have been hunting all offseason for a left-handed bat to shore up their outfield - ideally someone who could handle center field. While names like Cody Bellinger floated around as ideal fits, the Angels ultimately made a different kind of move.
They acquired Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays, sending reliever Brock Burke and a pitching prospect the other way. It’s a swing with upside, no doubt, but it also comes with its share of questions.
So what exactly are the Angels getting in Josh Lowe? And how realistic is it to expect him to fill the void they’ve been trying to patch?
Can Josh Lowe Handle Center Field?
Let’s get this one out of the way: the idea that Josh Lowe is a natural fit for center field doesn’t exactly hold up under scrutiny. Last season, Lowe played primarily in right field and posted -4 Outs Above Average, according to Baseball Savant. That’s not the kind of defensive metric that screams “move him to the toughest outfield spot.”
Still, Angels GM Perry Minasian told reporters that the team believes Lowe is capable of handling all three outfield positions. That’s a bold stance, especially given that Lowe hasn’t shown above-average defense even in the corners. So while he may end up logging innings in center field, it’s more likely a product of necessity than a clear-cut positional upgrade.
Bottom line: Expect Lowe to see some time in center, but don’t expect Gold Glove-caliber defense. This is a gamble, and the Angels are hoping it pays off.
Is Lowe the Left-Handed Bat They’ve Been Searching For?
Offensively, Lowe’s profile is a bit of a mixed bag. He bats left-handed, which checks an important box for the Angels. But if fans were hoping for a middle-of-the-order force, Lowe might not be that guy - at least not right now.
Back in 2023, he looked like a breakout star, posting a 128 OPS+ and flashing the kind of power-speed combo that turns heads. But over the past two seasons, that production has dipped.
His OPS+ has fallen to 89, well below league average. Injuries have played a role, and there’s still some hope that a change of scenery can spark a return to form.
But as it stands, Lowe profiles more as a complementary bat than a cornerstone.
That said, he’s not without value. He brings some pop, can steal a few bags, and still has tools worth betting on.
If the Angels can tap into that 2023 version of Lowe, they’ll have found themselves a real asset. But the leash may be short if the offensive struggles continue.
Was This the Right Move for the Angels' Outfield?
This is where things get more interesting. Brock Burke, the reliever sent to Tampa in the deal, was a steady piece of the Angels’ bullpen over the past two seasons. He was reliable, effective, and could’ve stepped into a bigger role this year - especially before the team signed Drew Pomeranz.
So trading him wasn’t a throwaway decision. But in return, the Angels get a player who, at his peak, has shown All-Star level potential.
Lowe’s ceiling is significantly higher than Burke’s, even if the floor is shakier. This is a classic upside play - a calculated risk that could pay off in a big way if Lowe can stay healthy and rediscover his swing.
He’s not the slam-dunk solution fans might’ve hoped for when the offseason began, but he’s a versatile piece who can contribute in multiple ways. Whether as a starter or a fourth outfielder, Lowe gives the Angels depth and flexibility.
And if he hits? That changes everything.
Final Takeaway: The Josh Lowe trade isn’t a blockbuster, but it’s a bet on upside. The Angels are banking on a bounce-back - both at the plate and in the field - and while there’s no guarantee it works, the potential reward makes the risk understandable. Whether he’s patrolling center or coming off the bench, Lowe is now a key part of the Angels’ 2026 equation.