After years of swirling trade rumors, the Tampa Bay Rays have officially turned the page on one of their franchise staples. Brandon Lowe, the slugging second baseman who’s been a mainstay in Tampa Bay for nearly a decade, is headed to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a three-team deal that also includes the Houston Astros.
And make no mistake - this is more than just a one-for-one swap. It’s a roster shake-up with short-term implications and long-term upside.
Here’s how the deal breaks down:
- Pirates receive: 2B Brandon Lowe, LHP Mason Montgomery, OF Jake Mangum
- Astros receive: RHP Mike Burrows
- Rays receive: OF Jacob Melton, RHP Anderson Brito
Let’s unpack what this means for the Rays, who are sending out three contributors from their 2025 roster and bringing in two high-upside pieces they clearly believe in.
The End of an Era: Brandon Lowe Heads to Pittsburgh
Brandon Lowe’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Rays history. Over eight seasons and 745 games, Lowe built a legacy as one of the most productive hitters to wear a Rays uniform.
He leaves Tampa Bay ranked third all-time in home runs (157), and in the top 10 across multiple offensive categories - from extra-base hits to RBIs to games played. A two-time All-Star, Lowe was more than just a power bat; he was a cornerstone of the Rays’ identity during one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.
But with the Rays always looking to stay ahead of the curve - and with Lowe's health and production fluctuating in recent seasons - the front office decided it was time to move on. And they didn’t just ship Lowe out alone.
Also on the Move: Montgomery and Mangum
Joining Lowe in Pittsburgh are left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum, both of whom played key roles in 2025.
Montgomery, a hard-throwing southpaw, showed flashes of promise but ultimately struggled to find consistency at the big-league level. He posted a 5.67 ERA over 46 innings with the Rays this past season, though his 63 strikeouts hint at the swing-and-miss potential that made him intriguing in the first place. He was more effective in Triple-A, where he logged a 2.00 ERA in limited action, but Tampa Bay clearly felt it was time to move in a different direction.
Mangum, on the other hand, was one of the Rays’ feel-good stories in 2025. The 29-year-old made his MLB debut and delivered a strong rookie campaign, hitting .296 with 27 stolen bases and leading the majors in infield hits (36).
His hustle and defensive versatility made him a fan favorite, and he was recognized with the club’s Heart and Hustle Award. But with center field reinforcements arriving, Mangum appears to be the odd man out.
Who the Rays Are Getting: Melton and Brito
In return, the Rays are betting on upside - and athleticism.
Outfielder Jacob Melton is the headliner. The 25-year-old made his MLB debut this past season with the Astros, though he struggled at the plate in limited big-league action (.157 in 70 at-bats).
But don’t let that small sample size fool you - Melton’s minor league numbers paint a much more complete picture. In 35 games with Triple-A Sugar Land, he slashed .286/.389/.556 with 16 doubles, six homers, and 12 stolen bases.
That blend of power, speed, and on-base ability is exactly what Tampa Bay covets.
Melton’s defensive chops are just as impressive. He was tabbed by Baseball America as Houston’s Best Defensive Outfielder and Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the system - not an easy combo to find in one player.
He’s also considered the Astros’ No. 1 prospect by Baseball America and No. 2 by MLB.com. The Rays are clearly banking on a breakout here, and given their track record with player development, Melton could be a name to watch closely in 2026.
Joining him is right-hander Anderson Brito, a 21-year-old with a live arm and an eye-popping minor league stat line. In 12 starts for Class-A Asheville, Brito posted a 3.28 ERA while holding opponents to a .202 batting average.
He gave up two runs or fewer in nine of those starts and has shown the ability to miss bats at a high rate - 147 strikeouts in just over 100 innings across two seasons. He’s still raw, but the tools are there.
Baseball America ranks him as Houston’s No. 3 prospect, and MLB.com has him at No. 7.
The Rays’ Outlook: Reloading, Not Rebuilding
This trade is vintage Rays - parting with established talent to bring in high-upside, cost-controlled players who fit their mold. Losing Lowe, Montgomery, and Mangum in one swoop is no small thing, especially given the leadership and production those players brought to the clubhouse.
But Tampa Bay isn’t pressing reset. They’re reloading with an eye toward 2026 and beyond.
Melton has the tools to become an everyday center fielder with pop and speed. Brito could be a mid-rotation starter down the road if his development continues on track. And with the Rays’ knack for maximizing young talent, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see both players making an impact sooner rather than later.
This is a franchise that’s never been afraid to make bold moves - even when it means saying goodbye to fan favorites. And once again, they’ve made a bet on the future. Time will tell how it plays out, but if history is any guide, the Rays might just be a step ahead of the curve.