Major League Baseball’s offseason boiled over in a matter of minutes after a flurry of moves shook up the market. First, Kyle Tucker’s departure was finalized, and shortly thereafter the Rays, Reds and Angels completed a three-team trade that reshapes several rosters for the upcoming campaign.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal sends outfielder Josh Lowe to the Los Angeles Angels, while the Tampa Bay Rays receive infielder Gavin Lux and right-handed pitcher Chris Clark. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds add left-handed reliever Brock Burke
Josh Lowe, a high-potential bet for the Angels
Lowe, who has spent his entire Major League career with the Rays, comes to the Angels as a gamble based on his talent and the expectation that he can put behind him the physical problems that have affected him in the last two seasons.“It’s been a tough couple of years. He knows it. We know it,” Tampa Bay’s president of baseball operations Erik Neander told MLB.com. The executive explained that the organization decided to add alternatives to generate stronger competition, although he made it clear that the club still trusts the potential of the outfielder.
Neander added that Lowe “has worked very hard” during the offseason and expressed his belief that he can return to the level he showed in 2023, when he was one of the team’s most productive offensive pieces.
In that campaign, Lowe posted an offensive line of .292/.335/.500, with 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases, numbers he now hopes to replicate with the Angels.
Specific reinforcements for Rays and Reds
For the Reds, Brock Burke’s arrival represents an important reinforcement in the bullpen, particularly from the left side. The reliever had a solid performance last season with the Angels, posting a 7-1 record, a 3.36 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings of work.Tampa Bay, meanwhile, adds versatility with Gavin Lux, who played 140 games last season, alternating duties as a designated hitter and playing both infield and outfield. Lux finished the campaign with a .269 batting average, five home runs and 53 RBIs, providing defensive flexibility and depth to the Rays’ roster.
In addition, the Marlins have added right-handed pitcher Chris Clark, who pitched last season at three minor league levels, strengthening the organization’s development system.
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