MLB’s Winter Meetings are getting underway this week, and it’s expected to be one of the bigger weeks during the offseason in terms of league-altering trades and free agent signings. The Detroit Tigers are thought to be in the middle of their championship window, and this could be the perfect time to make a meaningful trade for an impact player.
The Tigers have a few items on their offseason wishlist, which include another depth starter, an infielder, and bullpen help. One name that has started to float around is Rays’ second baseman Brandon Lowe. Detroit could make this blockbuster trade happen if it offloaded Zach McKinstry, and Gleyber Torres switches to either third or shortstop.
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Tigers Trade Idea Lands Brandon Lowe
If the Tampa Bay Rays are serious about trading Brandon Lowe, he is one of the best infielders on the trade market.
In a recent Bleacher Report article by Kerry Miller, one of his big winter meeting predictions is that the Rays will trade Brandon Lowe:
“If they’re willing to go to those lengths to save an estimated $600k, it seems like a safe assumption that they’re more than willing to trade away Brandon Lowe and his $11.5M salary, as has been their M.O. for decades.”
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 17: Brandon Lowe #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a double to right field during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field on June 17, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Lowe is a relatively cheap infield option after the Rays picked up his 2026 option, and he hit 31 home runs over 134 games, posting an OPS+ of 119. In all eight of his seasons with the Rays, Lowe has never been a below-average hitter (sub-100 OPS+). He’s hit 73 home runs since 2023. Detroit already picked up Gleyber Torres’ qualifying offer option, but they could certainly afford Brandon Lowe as well.
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Detroit Would Have to Give Up Zach McKinstry
So, what would it take to acquire Brandon Lowe? In this trade idea, the Detroit Tigers give up All-Star infielder Zach McKinstry and prospect Thayron Liranzo for the two-time All-Star Lowe.
Detroit has been adamant about not trading top prospects Max Clark and Kevin KcGonigle, so that makes McKinstry the centerpiece of this deal.
According to BaseballReference.com, Lowe is projected to hit 26 HR’s, drive in 73 runs, and hit .246 in 2026.
If the Tigers offloaded Zach McKinstry, the infield depth chart would still be tight, and Torres would have to move to the left side of the infield to clear room for Brandon Lowe. Detroit is a top landing spot for Lowe, and could join other clubs like the Padres as frontrunners to land the 31-year-old infielder.
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