Ben Cherington said Brandon Lowe returning to Pittsburgh would be "a great outcome," but the Pirates have to decide how badly they actually want that outcome.
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington praised impending free agent second baseman Brandon Lowe but noted the team needs to explore external opportunities. Lowe expressed interest in discussing a potential return following a productive season. However, writer Emma Lingan argues that Cherington's remarks could serve as an early excuse for the front office if the club fails to re-sign its top power hitter in free agency.
Lowe hit .260 with 35 home runs and 96 RBI in 2026, leading the Pirates in homers and RBI while recording 4.9 fWAR. Manager Don Kelly and teammates strongly supported his return after Pittsburgh completed an 82-80 season. Lingan contends that letting Lowe leave would risk undoing the team's offensive progress, warning against pursuing cheaper alternatives.
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