The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly targeting Tampa Bay Rays second baseman and former All-Star Brandon Lowe in a potential trade, capitalizing on his affordable, one-year contract commitment.
The $11.5 million figure referenced in the rumors corresponds to Lowe’s club option salary for the upcoming 2026 season, which the Rays exercised before deciding to potentially shop the slugging infielder.1
The Trade Target: Brandon Lowe
Lowe, 31, is a left-handed power bat who would address the Dodgers’ recurring need for offensive production and depth at the infield corners and second base, especially with several key utility players dealing with injuries.2
| Player | Position | 2026 Salary | Notes |
| Brandon Lowe | 2B / Utility | $11.5 Million | One-year rental; club option picked up by Rays. |
Why Lowe Fits the Dodgers:
- Power Infusion: Lowe is a proven slugger who hit 31 home runs last season (2025).3 The Dodgers are looking for more pop in their lineup beyond the “Big Three” (Ohtani, Freeman, Betts).
- Rental Status: Since Lowe will be a free agent after the 2026 season, the cost in terms of prospects to acquire him is projected to be lower than a player with multiple years of control, aligning with Andrew Friedman’s philosophy of spending money over high-end farm talent.
- Immediate Depth: With Tommy Edman recovering from ankle surgery and Kiké Hernandez missing the start of the season due to shoulder surgery, Lowe provides immediate, high-impact relief and positional flexibility, as he has experience in the outfield as well.4
The Drawback: Defense
The primary concern with Lowe is his defense. While he provides elite slugging (grading above the 75th percentile in metrics like xSLG, exit velocity, and barrel percentage), he is considered an “objectively horrible defender,” according to some analysts.5 The Dodgers would be acquiring him strictly for his offensive output.
Context: The Offseason Needs
The pursuit of Lowe is one of several avenues the Dodgers are exploring to bolster their offense without committing to a massive, long-term deal:
- Outfield Priority: The Dodgers’ top priority is still a long-term, impact outfielder, with Kyle Tucker and a trade for the Guardians’ Steven Kwan being heavily rumored.
- Infielder Depth: The temporary loss of Edman and Hernandez requires an immediate, high-floor acquisition to avoid relying on a platoon of average hitters at second base.
The trade for Brandon Lowe would be a classic Dodgers “rental” move: acquire a star-level player for a single season, plug an immediate need, and leverage their prospect wealth without jeopardizing long-term financial flexibility.
