Lowe open to staying in Pittsburgh as free agency nears

The Pirates second baseman, who leads the club in homers and RBIs, says he would listen if Pittsburgh wants to discuss a new contract.

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe is scheduled to reach free agency this offseason after a standout year in which he tops the club with 33 home runs and 93 RBIs. Speaking to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Lowe said the front office has not yet opened extension talks with him, while noting that clubs typically hold such discussions until after the season concludes.

Lowe indicated that he would welcome a conversation about staying. He said the organization has a promising outlook with quality players and expects strong baseball at the ballpark for years to come, adding that if the Pirates want to negotiate, he is willing to listen.

If no multiyear contract is completed before free agency starts in November, Pittsburgh is expected to extend Lowe a qualifying offer valued at $23.1 million. Should he decline it and sign a deal worth more than $50 million with another club, the Pirates would gain a selection following the opening round of the 2027 draft.

Pittsburgh obtained Lowe in December as part of a three-team transaction that also included the Astros and brought left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum to the Pirates, with right-hander Mike Burrows going to Houston.