The New York Yankees have shifted their focus to finding a replacement for Gleyber Torres after his departure to the Detroit Tigers, and with limited options in the free-agent market for second basemen, a trade is becoming a likely solution. One potential trade target within their own division is Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays. Lowe, a 30-year-old second baseman, is under contract for $10.5 million in 2024, with an $11.5 million club option for 2025. Historically, the Rays have not been inclined to let their star players stay with the team until the end of their contracts, which could make Lowe available this offseason.
Lowe has been an impactful player for the Rays, making the 2021 American League All-Star team after hitting 39 home runs in 149 games. Though injuries have caused him to miss a significant portion of games in the last few years, he has remained productive when on the field, totaling 50 homers in 281 games. Given his strong left-handed bat, Lowe’s hitting style could be a great fit for Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field. His power bat would add a significant boost to the Yankees’ lineup.
However, Lowe’s injury history and age may impact the type of return the Rays could expect for him in a trade, which could open up a window for the Yankees to strike a deal. It’s expected that the Rays would aim to save payroll and gain prospects, which creates an opportunity for the Yankees to land a valuable contributor from a division rival. Additionally, if the Yankees acquire Lowe, they would likely keep Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base, though it was unclear in 2024 whether Chisholm could be successfully moved to second base. Nonetheless, the potential acquisition of Lowe would give the Yankees a much-needed second baseman with power, while providing a more consistent presence in the lineup after the loss of Torres.
