Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees
As the New York Yankees head into another offseason with high hopes for a postseason return, one of their most pressing decisions lies in the future of Gleyber Torres. While Torres has been a key figure in the Yankees’ lineup for years, his inconsistent play in 2024—along with his lack of availability over the last few seasons—has raised questions about whether he’s the long-term answer at second base. Enter the trade and free-agent markets, where the Yankees may find an intriguing alternative in Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe.
Lowe’s Fit with the Yankees
Brandon Lowe, once an All-Star for the Tampa Bay Rays, has long been regarded as one of the league’s most talented second basemen when healthy. But that’s been the issue: Lowe’s career has been marred by injuries. Despite his challenges, Lowe has remained productive when on the field, posting a solid 113 OPS+ and hitting 50 home runs over the past two seasons. The Rays, notorious for trading away key players before they get too expensive, may be willing to move Lowe this winter—and if the Yankees are comfortable taking a calculated risk on his health, he could be an ideal fit for the Bronx.
Lowe is slated to make $10.5 million in 2025, a figure that makes him a possible trade candidate, particularly if the Rays are looking to shed payroll. MLB insider Mike Axisa of CBS Sports recently identified the Yankees as a “potential fit” for Lowe, noting how Tampa Bay regularly moves its highest-paid players. Lowe, who has played both second base and first base, would bring a strong left-handed bat to a Yankees lineup that could use some added power, especially given Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch.
As Axisa pointed out, while intradivision trades are always tricky, they’re not impossible, and the timing may be right for these two AL East rivals to work out a deal. Could Lowe be the player the Yankees need to solidify their infield?
What Would It Take to Land Lowe?
There has been speculation around Lowe’s future, especially after the Rays exercised his $10.5 million option for 2025. Some reports have suggested that the Rays could move Lowe as part of an effort to free up payroll, especially if they look to address other areas of their roster. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com also named Lowe as a potential trade candidate, pointing out that Lowe’s 2025 salary could make him expendable, particularly if Tampa Bay is focused on cutting costs or making room for other players.
Despite his injury history—Lowe has missed over 50 games in each of the last two seasons—he’s shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. His 21 home runs in both 2023 and 2024 demonstrate his power potential, which would be highly attractive to a Yankees team that’s struggled to find consistent pop from its infield. Lowe’s contract also includes a $11.5 million club option for 2026, meaning that an acquiring team would have two years of control at a relatively affordable price, which only adds to his appeal.
Lowe vs. Torres: Would This Be an Upgrade?
The Yankees’ biggest question in considering a trade for Lowe is simple: would he be an upgrade over Gleyber Torres? Torres has been a mainstay for the Yankees over the past few seasons, but his performance in 2024 left something to be desired. After showing flashes of brilliance in previous years, Torres struggled to find consistency last season, particularly in the second half. His lack of availability over the past few years has also raised concerns about his long-term durability.
In comparison, Lowe, when healthy, has been a more reliable contributor offensively, and his left-handed power would be a natural fit in the Yankees’ right-handed heavy lineup. The question of whether Lowe would be a better player than Torres comes down to one major factor: health. Lowe has battled injuries, limiting his time on the field, but he’s shown that when he’s playing regularly, he can be a difference-maker.
Lowe’s 113 OPS+ over the last two seasons is solid, and his power bat—especially in a ballpark like Yankee Stadium—would give the Yankees a much-needed offensive boost. Torres, meanwhile, has posted similar numbers in the past, but his performance has fluctuated in recent years, and the Yankees may feel they need a more consistent and healthy option at second base moving forward.
What Could the Yankees Offer?
If the Yankees are serious about acquiring Lowe, they would likely have to part with some prospects to entice the Rays, who are notorious for making smart trades and getting value for their players. The Yankees have a deep farm system, but they would need to balance making a win-now move while not gutting their future. The Rays, in turn, are known for making savvy trades, and if they are truly looking to shed payroll, they might view this as an opportunity to bolster their farm system in exchange for Lowe.
While the deal may be complicated by the Yankees and Rays being divisional rivals, both teams are well-versed in the business of trading key players, and the need for change in New York may outweigh any hesitations. If the Yankees are willing to take a risk on Lowe’s health, he could be a major contributor to a potential postseason run, bringing a powerful bat to a lineup that desperately needs it.
Conclusion
As the Yankees look to reshape their roster this offseason, Brandon Lowe could be an intriguing trade target to replace Gleyber Torres. While his injury history gives some pause, his power potential and versatility make him an ideal fit for the Yankees’ needs. Whether the Yankees pursue Lowe through free agency or trade, it’s clear that the second-base position remains one of the team’s most critical areas to address. If the Rays are willing to move him, don’t be surprised if the Yankees are at the forefront of the conversation.
