MLB Offseason Buzz: Astros Explore Meyers Trade, Rays Weigh Lowe’s Future
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As of December 1, 2025, several MLB teams are actively engaged in trade discussions, with the Houston Astros potentially moving outfielder Jake Meyers and the Tampa Bay Rays considering options for second baseman Brandon Lowe. These moves signal an early shift in the offseason landscape as clubs assess their rosters ahead of the 2026 season.
The Astros, coming off Meyers’ offensive betterment in 2025, are reportedly open too trading him for a controllable major-league starting pitcher. Multiple teams are showing interest in the 29-year-old,who is projected to earn $3.5 million in arbitration during his final two years of team control, according to MLB Trade Rumors. MLB Trade Rumors indicates this could be a pivotal moment for both the Astros and Meyers.
Center Field Market Heating Up
Several teams are seeking upgrades in center field, including the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Tampa Bay Rays. The Baltimore Orioles,Arizona Diamondbacks,and Kansas City Royals are also reportedly in the market. Meyers is highly regarded for his defensive abilities, but Houston may explore alternatives like Zach Cole and Jacob Melton if they doubt his ability to maintain his recent offensive success.
Did You Know?
Jake Meyers’ .292 batting average and .727 OPS in 2025 represented a significant jump from his previous four seasons, where he batted .228 with a .662 OPS.
| Player | Team | Position | Projected 2026 Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Meyers | Houston Astros | Center Field | $3.5M |
| Brandon Lowe | Tampa Bay Rays | Second Base | $11.5M |
Rays Contemplate Lowe Trade
The Tampa Bay Rays are seriously considering trading second baseman Brandon Lowe,who is set to earn $11.5 million in the final year of his contract. The Pittsburgh Pirates, actively seeking left-handed hitters, appear to be a strong potential suitor. The Athletics and San Francisco Giants are also exploring options at second base.
Trading Lowe would create a void at second base for the Rays,with no clear internal replacement readily available. Carson Williams and Taylor Walls may lack sufficient offensive firepower as a double-play combination, and Jonathan Aranda and Chandler Simpson have limited experience at the position.
Lowe has been a valuable asset for the Rays,hitting 31 home runs in 2025 and boasting a career OPS+ 23 percent above league average. His 157 career home runs rank third in Rays history, trailing only Evan Longoria (261) and Carlos Pena (163).
pro Tip:
teams often delay major roster upgrades until late November and December as they navigate coaching staff transitions and fill internal positions.
Marlins’ Coaching Losses Signal Positive trend
The Miami Marlins’ improvement from 62 wins in 2024 to 79 in 2025 has attracted attention from other organizations, resulting in the loss of three major-league coaches. Assistant hitting coach Derek Shomon joined the chicago White Sox as their hitting coach, first base coach Tyler Smarslok became the washington Nationals’ field coordinator, and catching coach Joe Singley moved to the Baltimore Orioles as field coordinator and catching coach. This turnover in coaching staff, extending to the minor leagues, is contributing to a relatively quiet free-agent and trade market in November as teams prioritize filling internal vacancies.
“One way to measure whether the industry is impressed by an organization’s evolution is by counting the number of major-league coaches that organization loses to other clubs.”
What impact will these potential trades have on the competitive balance of the league?
How will the Rays address the potential loss of Lowe’s offensive production?
MLB Offseason Trends
The MLB offseason typically begins shortly after the conclusion of the World Series, with teams evaluating their rosters and identifying areas for improvement. Trade rumors and free-agent signings often dominate the headlines during this period. Arbitration-eligible players, like Meyers, play a significant role in team budgeting and trade considerations. Teams with expiring contracts,such as Lowe,are frequently enough subject to trade discussions as other clubs seek to add talent without long-term financial commitments. The loss of coaches to other organizations is increasingly viewed as a positive sign for a team’s advancement and organizational strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is arbitration in MLB?
Arbitration is a process used to determine the salary of players who are not yet eligible for free agency. Players and teams submit salary requests, and an arbitrator makes a binding decision.
Why are the Astros considering trading Jake Meyers?
The Astros are exploring a trade for Meyers to potentially acquire a controllable starting pitcher, especially if they are unsure about his ability to replicate his 2025 offensive performance.
What are the Rays’ options if they trade Brandon Lowe?
The Rays face challenges in replacing Lowe, as their internal options at second base lack sufficient experience or offensive production.
What does it mean for a team to lose coaches to other organizations?
Losing coaches to other teams is generally seen as a positive sign, indicating that the organization is developing talented staff members who are highly sought after.
How does a player’s OPS+ affect their trade value?
OPS+ (On-Base Plus Slugging, adjusted for park factors and league average) is a key statistic used to evaluate a player’s offensive performance. A higher OPS+ generally increases a player’s trade value.
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