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Pirates’ Brandon Lowe dilemma could make Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds expendable

The Pirates' offseason priority must be re-signing Brandon Lowe, even if it requires the organization to move on from a franchise stalwart or two.

By Brandon Glick · Rum Bunter

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 2:12 PM

Key Things to Know

Rum Bunter argues re-signing Brandon Lowe could force the Pirates to trade Mitch Keller or Bryan Reynolds.
Brandon Lowe is entering free agency after hitting 35 home runs as a Gold Glove finalist in 2026.
Mitch Keller is owed $18.4 million and Bryan Reynolds is owed $15.25 million on Pittsburgh's 2027 payroll.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Brandon Glick argues that re-signing impending free agent Brandon Lowe may require the Pittsburgh Pirates to trade Mitch Keller or Bryan Reynolds to free up payroll. Lowe hit 35 home runs with a 121 wRC+ in 2026 and is expected to command a contract surpassing Pittsburgh's highest 2027 salaries.

According to Glick, moving Keller's $18.4 million salary would be more palatable due to pitching depth, while trading Reynolds could yield a stronger return. The author notes that keeping all three remains ideal, but prioritizing Lowe could necessitate difficult financial decisions.

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Pirates’ Brandon Lowe dilemma could make Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds expendable

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