The Los Angeles Angels have acquired outfielder Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a significant three-team trade that also sends infielder Gavin Lux to Tampa Bay and reliever Brock Burke to the Cincinnati Reds. This trade, reported by multiple sources Thursday night, aims to address specific roster needs for all three teams ahead of the 2026 spring training. The deal involves key exchanges: the Angels receiving Lowe, the Rays obtaining Lux from Cincinnati plus minor league right-hander Chris Clark from Los Angeles, and the Reds acquiring Burke from the Angels.
Los Angeles Angels Strengthen Outfield with Josh Lowe
The Angels targeted Josh Lowe to fill the void left by Taylor Ward’s offseason trade to Baltimore. Lowe, 28, is a left-handed batter who has demonstrated reliable performance against right-handed pitchers, boasting a .266 career batting average and a .772 OPS over five MLB seasons. His ability to play multiple outfield positions, including right, center, and left field, provides manager Ron Washington with considerable flexibility. With Mike Trout expected to spend more time at designated hitter, Lowe’s presence offers crucial depth behind Jo Adell and Jorge Soler.
Lowe’s 2023 season highlighted his potential with a breakout performance including 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases, alongside a .292 batting average and 83 RBIs across 135 games. Although injuries to his oblique and hamstring have hampered his recent availability, the Angels are optimistic about his resurgence.
Tampa Bay Rays Address Second Base Need by Adding Gavin Lux
By acquiring Gavin Lux, the Rays fill an urgent gap at second base created by Brandon Lowe’s trade to Pittsburgh. Lux, 28, moved to Cincinnati just last season but offers Tampa Bay a dependable offensive presence combined with defensive versatility. During his year with the Reds, Lux hit .269 with a .350 on-base percentage, playing mostly left field but also covering second and third base positions. His consistent ability to get on base aligns well with Tampa Bay’s data-driven approach, even though his slugging power remains limited, with just five home runs last season.
Though the Rays are assuming a higher salary for Lux — $5.525 million this season compared to Lowe’s $2.6 million — Lux’s contract is set to expire soon, providing payroll flexibility. Tampa Bay also adds pitching depth with Chris Clark, a 24-year-old Harvard alumnus who pitched at the Double-A level last year.
Cincinnati Reds Add Bullpen Depth with Brock Burke Acquisition
The Cincinnati Reds continue to bolster their relief pitching by bringing in left-hander Brock Burke from the Angels. Burke, 29, posted a 3.36 ERA over 69 appearances last season, enhancing the Reds’ bullpen alongside recent signings Caleb Ferguson and Pierce Johnson. His transition to a full-time relief role has allowed him to increase his fastball velocity to 96 mph and develop a sharp slider, making him a valuable asset in high-leverage situations.
Besides improving their bullpen, Cincinnati gains salary relief by exchanging Lux’s $5.525 million contract for Burke’s $2.325 million deal. This financial adjustment provides the Reds with added flexibility as they look toward fortifying their offense and pitching staff.
Trade Illustrates Strategic Roster Moves Ahead of 2026 Season
This trade exemplifies the intricacies of modern MLB transactions where teams carefully balance competitive needs with financial considerations. For the Angels, acquiring Josh Lowe represents another effort to surround stars Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani with a solid supporting cast. Tampa Bay maintains its reputation for extracting value from players often overlooked by other organizations, while the Reds are prioritizing bullpen strength to enhance their chances of contention.
As spring training nears, each club will focus on integrating these new acquisitions and assessing how well they fit with team culture and strategic goals. Ultimately, the success of the trade will hinge on how effectively these players contribute to their new teams during the upcoming season and beyond.
