The Los Angeles Angels secured outfielder Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays in a significant three-team trade involving the Cincinnati Reds, announced Thursday by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This move comes as the Angels look to strengthen their roster while their city rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, remain active in the free agent scene.
Details of the Trade Among Three MLB Teams
In this multi-team arrangement, the Rays received infielder Gavin Lux from the Reds along with right-handed pitcher Chris Clark from the Angels as compensation for Lowe. Meanwhile, Cincinnati added left-handed pitcher Brock Burke to their pitching staff. This strategic exchange redistributes talent across the three teams.
Josh Lowe’s Background and MLB Performance
Lowe, 27, was Tampa Bay’s first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2016 draft and debuted professionally in 2021. Over five seasons with the Rays, the Marietta, Georgia native appeared in 403 games, compiling a .250 batting average with a .306 on-base percentage and a .414 slugging percentage. In 2025, he recorded 11 home runs — his second highest yearly total — combined with 40 RBIs and 18 stolen bases, though his batting line dipped to .220/.283/.366 that season.
Veteran Gavin Lux and Rising Prospect Chris Clark Included in the Trade
Gavin Lux, 28, a six-year MLB veteran, began his career with the Dodgers after being selected 20th overall in 2016. He spent the past season with Cincinnati, appearing in 140 games with five home runs, 53 RBIs, and a .269 batting average. Chris Clark, a 24-year-old right-handed pitching prospect drafted in 2023’s fifth round, moves to the Rays after two years with the Angels. Clark pitched in A-level ball last year for Inland Empire in the California League.
Pitcher Brock Burke Heads to the Reds After Successful Stint with Angels
Brock Burke, a 29-year-old left-handed pitcher and 2023 World Series champion with the Texas Rangers, now joins Cincinnati, marking the third team of his five-year major league career. Burke posted a 3.40 ERA and a 9-2 record during 90 games over the last two seasons with Los Angeles. A former third-round pick, he holds a career 3.88 ERA with a 21-12 record, including eight starts.
Trade Significance and Next Steps for the Angels
This trade represents a strategic move by the Angels to enhance their outfield options and deepen pitching resources. Bringing in Josh Lowe adds a known quantity with experience and speed to their lineup. For the Rays and Reds, securing promising prospects and pitching depth reflects ongoing roster adjustments ahead of the coming MLB season. The impact of this trade will unfold this year as these players integrate into their new teams.
Three-way trade news: Tampa Bay, Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a deal that will send outfielder Josh Lowe to the Angels, infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Chris Clark to the Rays and left-handed reliever Brock Burke to the Reds, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2026
