The Pirates made a huge move by acquiring Brandon Lowe in the offseason, and the veteran returned the favor by putting up strong numbers in 2026.

Lowe has been one of the Pirates best and most consistent hitters on the season, leading the team in home runs and RBIs. Although Pittsburgh remains on the outside of the playoff picture, Lowe’s addition was huge for a team that needed offensive firepower.

After the season ends, though, Lowe’s contract will expire and the veteran will hit free agency in the offseason. While he is sure to have his fair share of suitors, Lowe could be a candidate to return to the Pirates depending on how the offseason plays out.

Here’s what Lowe had to say about his upcoming free agency.

Brandon Lowe contract update

Lowe is set to hit free agency at the end of this season, but his strong performance in 2026 made him a key member of the offense. However, even if the Pirates wanted to try and extend him midseason, Lowe told his agent he didn’t want to hear offers.

“I was like, ‘I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to pull focus from anything else,'” Lowe told Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’m here this year and I’m going to focus up on this one, and we’ll take care of business and then see where we are at the end of the year when we get back home.'”

However, Lowe did add that he would be open to a return in free agency if the Pirates are also interested in the offseason.

“I think this team’s got a very bright future and a lot of good players, and there’s a lot of good baseball that’s going to be played in this park for a long time,” Lowe added. “[If] they want to talk, I’m all ears.”

Lowe is among the better free agents available this Summer in what is expected to be a weaker class of players. Not only does the second baseman have 32 home runs and 91 RBIs, no one else on the team has reached 20 home runs or 75 RBIs.

Brandon Lowe statsGames: 143HR: 32RBI: 91Hits: 145BA: .260OPS: .819

Lowe has put up strong numbers for the Pirates this season, leading the team in a variety of categories like home runs and RBIs. He has been a huge part of the team’s offensive turnaround, going from a below-average unit last year to an above-average group this year.

The Pirates have gotten all it could ask for and more from Lowe in his first season with the team, and replacing him in free agency would be a tall task.

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