December 19th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

The Pittsburgh Pirates Friday acquired infielder Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays.  Lowe clubbed 31 home runs in 2025, driving in 83 runs and batting .256.  Lowe's lefthanded hitting should work well at PNC Park with its short right field distance.  He has one year remaining on his current contract.  The deal included the Pirates adding outfielder Jake Mangum, who batted .296 for the Rays in 2025.  The Pirates also received lefthanded pitcher Mason Montgomery, who logged a 5.67 ERA in the bullpen but has strong strikeout numbers.  

In order to make the deal, the Pirates sent promising starting pitcher Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros in the three team deal.