Shockwaves in MLB: Josh Lowe’s Stunning Trade Sends Ripples Through Angels, Rays, and Reds’ Future Plans!

In a move that’s sure to shake up the MLB landscape, the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Angels struck a three-way deal Thursday, as first revealed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This blockbuster trade sends outfielder Josh Lowe packing from the Rays to the Angels, while infielder Gavin Lux and minor league right-hander Chris Clark head over to Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, left-handed reliever Brock Burke finds a new home with the Reds. Now, if you’re keeping tabs on talent and team dynamics, Lowe’s the name grabbing the spotlight here. Just shy of 28, he posted a decent stat line last season, and his 2023 campaign was his best, showcasing power and speed that the Angels are banking on for three more years under club control. On the flip side, Lux brings versatility and experience to the Rays, adding depth and also a solid mix of batting prowess across multiple positions. Clark, still in the minors, is a promising arm with noteworthy strikeout numbers, while Burke is a seasoned southpaw ready to bolster Cincinnati’s bullpen. This trade isn’t just a shuffle; it’s a strategic realignment that could have ripple effects for years to come. LEARN MORE

The Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels completed a three-team trade on Thursday, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Outfielder Josh Lowe went from the Rays to the Angels, infielder Gavin Lux and minor league pitcher Chris Clark are going to Tampa Bay, and left-handed reliever Brock Burke is going to the Reds in the deal.

Three-way trade news: Tampa Bay, Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a deal that will send outfielder Josh Lowe to the Angels, infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Chris Clark to the Rays and left-handed reliever Brock Burke to the Reds, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2026

Lowe, turning 28 on Feb. 2, is arguably the bigger piece in this deal. Last season, the right fielder batted .220/.283/.366 with 21 doubles, 11 home runs, 40 RBI and 18 stolen bases in 108 games for the Rays.

Tampa Bay’s 2016 first-round draft pick (No. 13 overall), Lowe had his best season in 2023 when he hit 20 homers with 83 RBI and 32 steals, batting .292/.335/.500. He is eligible for arbitration for the first time this year, giving the Angels three years of club control.

In return, the Rays get Lux, who hit .269/.350/.374 with five homers and 53 RBIs in his lone season for the Reds after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has one more season of arbitration eligibility before becoming a free agent. In six MLB seasons, Lux is a .256/.332/.381 batter with 33 homers and 208 RBI. He has mostly played at second base, but also appeared at shortstop, left field and center field.

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Additionally, Tampa Bay adds Clark. The right-hander, 24, mostly pitched in Single-A last year, eventually advancing to high-A and then Double-A. Overall, he compiled a 4.73 ERA and 4-10 record with 153 strikeouts in 144 2/3 innings. Clark was the Angels’ fifth-round selection in 2023 out of Harvard.

Burke goes to Cincinnati after pitching the past two seasons with the Angels. Last year, the left-hander notched a 3.36 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings. Burke, 29, was originally a 2014 third-round pick by the Rays, but eventually reached the major leagues with the Texas Rangers in 2019. In five MLB seasons, he has a 3.88 ERA with a rate of 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings.