The Los Angeles Angels may explore a trade to fill their second base vacancy, with one proposed deal involving Tampa Bay Rays’ All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggested a swap where the Angels would send right-handed pitcher Barrett Kent and third baseman Cole Fontenelle to Tampa Bay in exchange for Lowe.
This trade idea, however, faces skepticism as the Rays recently picked up Lowe’s $11.5 million club option for the 2025 season, signaling their commitment to keeping him. Erik Neander, Tampa Bay’s president of baseball operations, praised Lowe’s contributions, saying, “Since debuting in 2018, his productivity at second base has been among the league’s best.”
Lowe has battled injuries in recent years but displayed a return to form in 2024. In 107 games, he hit .244/.311/.473, leading the Rays with 21 home runs, along with 19 doubles and 58 RBIs. His performance earned him team MVP honors from the Tampa Bay chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
On the Angels’ side, the proposed trade pieces include Kent, the organization’s 11th-ranked prospect, who struggled in 2024 with a 6.21 ERA at Single-A, and Fontenelle, a switch-hitting third baseman recovering from a severe ankle injury. Despite these challenges, both players possess upside and could appeal to the Rays as potential long-term contributors.
If the Angels are unable to address their need via free agency, a deal like this could be a solution, but Tampa Bay’s willingness to part with a key player like Lowe remains uncertain.
