Brandon Lowe’s New Chapter with the Pirates
Brandon Lowe’s shift from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Pittsburgh Pirates marks an intriguing new chapter in his professional career, one laden with both excitement and uncertainty. Having established himself within the Rays’ organization, Lowe now faces the challenge of acclimating to a new city, a different clubhouse, and the expectations that come with donning a different uniform.
Seeking Guidance from a Familiar Face
In navigating this transition, Lowe has turned to a trusted resource already embedded within the Pirates’ ranks: All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. During a recent introductory press conference, Lowe shared insights about his budding relationship with Reynolds, underscoring the importance of camaraderie in the face of change.
“I think I’ve played a total of three games there in my career,” Lowe admitted when discussing his limited familiarity with Pittsburgh. However, upon learning of his trade, he proactively reached out for guidance. “I’ve talked with a few guys on the team, Reynolds being one that I reached out to quite a bit,” he revealed, highlighting the significance of establishing connections in a new environment.
The trade itself was a notable one, with Lowe becoming the centerpiece of a three-team deal that saw the Pirates also acquiring outfielder Jake Mangum and left-handed relief pitcher Mason Montgomery. In exchange, they parted with starting pitcher Mike Burrows, who moved to Houston, while the Rays received Jacob Melton and Anderson Brito from the Astros.
A Family Connection
While their professional relationship is just beginning, a deeper, familial connection has already laid the groundwork for a strong bond between Lowe and Reynolds. As it turns out, their rapport extends beyond the baseball diamond and is rooted in their wives’ friendship.
“My wife and Blair are much closer than me and Bryan are currently,” Lowe explained, noting that the two women participate in a weekly Bible study together. This existing friendship not only strengthens their connection but also adds a layer of comfort as Lowe integrates into the Pirates’ family.
Interestingly, this family tie even played a role in the trade announcement. “Blair actually broke the news to Madison because she wasn’t near her phone,” Lowe recounted. “So Blair ended up calling her, ‘Oh I can’t wait to be teammates together, it’s going to be so great.’”
This shared familial connection brings an added sense of ease to the professional transition. “Honestly, they’re such a great family. I think they have three boys, and we have two kids as well, so hopefully the kids will get along great,” Lowe added, expressing optimism for their families to bond.
Brandon Lowe’s journey with the Pirates is just beginning, but with a supportive teammate like Bryan Reynolds and their families’ shared connection, he may find the transition smoother than anticipated.
