ESPN’s Brandon Lowe projection puts Pittsburgh’s spending history under the scope. Nearly 12 years later, the Pirates still haven’t topped $39 million.
Rum Bunter argues that a projected four-year, $80 million contract for second baseman Brandon Lowe highlights the Pittsburgh Pirates' lengthy history of spending reluctance. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projected the deal, which would require the franchise to more than double its largest-ever free-agent commitment to retain him.
The writer notes that Francisco Liriano's three-year, $39 million contract from December 2014 remains Pittsburgh's franchise record for a free-agent signing. Although the Pirates extended a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer to Lowe after his 35-homer campaign in 2026, the author contends ownership must overcome its past financial hesitation to build a contender.
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