The offseason in Major League Baseball saw a rapid sequence of notable moves as Kyle Tucker was traded, followed shortly by a significant three-team trade involving the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Angels. This complex swap sends outfielder Josh Lowe to the Angels, while infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Chris Clark will join the Rays. Left-handed reliever Brock Burke moves to the Cincinnati Reds, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
In this transaction, Lowe departs the Rays, the only team he has played for in his professional career, bringing potential value to the Angels contingent. However, his recent injury history raises concerns about his ability to regain top form.
Josh Lowe’s Challenges and Rays’ Perspective on His Future
Despite Lowe’s struggles with injuries over the past two seasons, the Rays demonstrated hope for his resurgence during the recent Winter Meetings. Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for Tampa Bay, acknowledged the difficulties Lowe has faced, emphasizing the team’s belief in his abilities going forward.
“It’s been a tough couple years. He knows that. We know that,”
Neander noted, as reported by MLB.com.
“We’ve got an assortment of guys that we believe in them more than what they provided last year. Josh is one of them. But we also have to kind of be real about it, and that’s why we brought in a couple of additional options out there to create stronger competition.”
Neander also highlighted Lowe’s efforts during the offseason, stating that the outfielder has been working hard to return to the player he was in 2023. That year, Lowe produced solid numbers by batting .292/.335/.500, hitting 20 home runs, and stealing 32 bases, showing the potential that the Angels hope to see again.
Contributions From Other Players Involved in the Trade
Brock Burke, now with the Reds, offers Cincinnati an experienced left-handed reliever. In the last season with the Angels, Burke posted a 7-1 record with a 3.36 ERA and contributed 52 strikeouts over 61⅓ innings pitched. This addition bolsters the Reds’ bullpen depth.
Gavin Lux brings positional versatility to Tampa Bay after playing 140 games for Cincinnati last season. Lux served as a designated hitter and filled several roles in both the infield and outfield. He hit .269, tallied five home runs, and drove in 53 runs with the Reds.
Chris Clark, meanwhile, spent last season moving through three levels of the minors, and now will join the Rays as a right-handed pitcher, adding pitching depth to their farm system and possibly the major league staff in time.
Implications of the Trade for the Teams Involved
Josh Lowe’s move to the Angels signifies a fresh start and a chance to revitalize a career hindered by injuries, while the Rays seek to strengthen their lineup with Lux and Clark. Cincinnati’s acquisition of Burke enhances their bullpen with a reliable southpaw option. This multi-faceted trade reflects the strategic shifts each team is making ahead of the 2026 season to address both immediate needs and future potential.
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
