Rays All-Star second baseman could be on the move before trade deadline

The Tampa Bay Rays struggled in the final weeks leading up to the All-Star break, dropping 11 of their last 14 games.

Still, at 50-47, Tampa Bay is just one-and-a-half games back from the third American League Wild Card spot and within reach of the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East.

Though they are still in playoff contention, the Rays must think about the reward of selling some of their veteran players, like All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe.

Lowe, 31, had a monster first half and earned an All-Star selection for the second time in his career.

Lowe has 19 home runs and 50 RBI while slashing .272/.324/.487 in 84 games this season. His 125 wRC+ is third among second basemen this season.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report named several All-Stars who could be on the move by the trade deadline, including Lowe.

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“And yet, you can never rule out the Rays from moving anyone who's making even a modest amount of money,” wrote Rymer. “Such is the case with Lowe, who's earning $10.5 million with an $11.5 million option for 2026.

“Especially given they are deep on the infield, there is also the case that the Rays should sell high on Lowe while they can.”

Lowe is in the final year of a seven-year, $34 million contract that has a club option for 2026.

The Rays may decide to buy instead of sell, in which case they would most likely hold onto Lowe, but the Rays are unpredictable and could still end up trading the 31-year-old.

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