The Toronto Blue Jays have shown early interest in free-agent second baseman Brandon Lowe following a 36-home-run season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, sportsnet.ca reported. Both sides remain in initial stages as talks get underway at the Aria Hotel.
As the baseball industry gathers for the GM Meetings, the Blue Jays are exploring options to rebuild an offence that ranked last in Major League Baseball in runs scored during 2026, according to sportsnet.ca. Lowe stands out among available hitters after generating a career-best 5.3 wins above replacement.
Will Brandon Lowe leave Pittsburgh?
The Pirates issued a one-year, $23.15-million qualifying offer that Lowe is expected to decline in pursuit of a multi-year contract, sportsnet.ca reported. sportsnet.ca noted that Lowe has hit an average of 35 home runs per 162 games at the MLB level. His defensive metrics also climbed sharply, with his fielding run value jumping from the fifth percentile in 2025 to the 96th percentile in 2026, according to sportsnet.ca.
sportsnet.ca added that Lowe batted .260 with 96 RBIs and an .824 OPS last season after joining the Pirates. His expected average annual value sits between $18 million and $22 million over a three- or four-year term, according to bluejaysnation.com.
How does Ernie Clement fit the infield?
Ernie Clement handled everyday second base duties in 2026 after starring as a super-utility player in 2025, bluejaysnation.com reported. Clement batted .296 with a .751 OPS before the All-Star break and earned an all-star selection, but sportsnet.ca noted his OPS slid to .438 over his final 52 games as he played through physical fatigue. bluejaysnation.com suggested that signing Lowe would allow Clement to return to a flexible utility role.
What are the financial and draft penalties?
Because the Blue Jays exceeded the Competitive Balance Tax threshold by more than $40 million in 2026, signing a qualified free agent carries heavy roster costs, sportsnet.ca reported. The club would forfeit its second- and fifth-highest draft picks, lose $1 million in international bonus room, and see its 2027 first-round selection—currently slated at No. 13—pushed back 10 spots, unless a draft lottery moves the team into the top six, according to sportsnet.ca.
To mitigate the risk of a looming lockout set for December 1, teams can structure earnings as signing bonuses rather than regular salary, guaranteeing player pay during a labour interruption, sportsnet.ca reported.
Common questions about the Blue Jays off-season
Who else are the Blue Jays pursuing at second base?
sportsnet.ca noted that Toronto has previously pursued Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Luis Arraez, while utility option Josh Smith could also see reps at the position.
Where did Kazuma Okamoto finish in rookie voting?
sportsnet.ca reported that Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto finished seventh in American League Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 33 home runs.
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