Nationals Urged To Pursue 35-HR Free-Agent Slugger Projected At $91 Million
What Lowe Brings
Lowe is 32 and hit .260/.331/.493 with an .824 OPS, 35 home runs, and 96 RBI in 150 games for Pittsburgh, along with a career-high 5.4 bWAR, after the Pirates acquired him from Tampa Bay in a three-team trade with Houston last offseason.
He earned $11.5 million in 2026, the final year of the six-year, $24 million extension he signed in 2019, which is why he’s headed to the open market.
Brandon Lowe free-agent market value via @spotrac: 4 years $91.2M Where’s he playing in 2027? https://t.co/PgoIGAiEsw
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) October 20, 2026
His defense is part of the case, since he was a Gold Glove finalist at second base with plus-15 Outs Above Average after posting minus-14 Defensive Runs Saved and minus-14 Outs Above Average in 2025.
MLB Trade Rumors ranked him No. 10 on its final free agent power rankings, and the Pirates finished 82-80 for their first winning season since 2018.
Federal Baseball noted Lowe can play second base, fill in at first, or serve as a primary designated hitter, and if Washington moves CJ Abrams off shortstop he could be the main DH with smaller stints at first and second.
The Nationals’ Case And The Price
Federal Baseball wrote that Washington’s offense is now driven by James Wood and Abrams after the deadline trades of Luis Garcia Jr. to the Yankees and Curtis Mead to the Red Sox, and that financial frustrations have put both Abrams’ and Wood’s names in trade discussions, “both hypothetical and legitimate.”
Harper argued the Nationals’ low payroll gives them “no excuse not to add offensive pieces in free agency,” though he acknowledged much of the front office’s focus under president of baseball operations Paul Toboni will likely go toward pitching.
On price, Federal Baseball cited Spotrac’s market value of four years and $91.24 million, which works out to about $22.8 million a year, and said it could climb given the lack of impact bats available.
It is rumored the Pittsburgh Pirates are very likely to give Brandon Lowe a qualifying offer this offseason. The projected offer: $23.15 million If he declines, the Pirates will get a comp pick. If he accepts he will be a Pirate in 2027. Win/win situation https://t.co/nxuUxy0U9E
— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) October 21, 2026
Other estimates run lower, with one report saying it will likely cost about $20 million a year and at least three years, and another one projecting four years and $70 million.
The Pirates are expected to extend a $23.15 million qualifying offer, and would receive a draft pick after the first round if Lowe signs elsewhere for at least $50 million guaranteed.
Pittsburgh hasn’t given up on keeping him, as there is reported mutual interest in a new deal, and Lowe told his agent during the season he didn’t want to hear offers but would be open to returning in free agency.
Bleacher Report also noted the expiring CBA and expected lockout threaten to derail free agency, which opens five days after the World Series ends.
