“He’s obviously had some up and down seasons with injuries, but he’s a player we think can play all three seasons.” [outfield spots],” Minasian told reporters (including Martin Gallegos of MLB.com). The GM noted that Lowe’s left-handed bat is a good addition to a lineup that leans heavily to the right side, especially in the outfield. Even after the trade Taylor district Early in the offseason, they had started the day with an all-right-handed projected outfield mix of Mike Trout, Jorge Soler, I Adel And Bryce Theodosio. The only other left-hitting outfielder on the 40-man roster, Wade Mecklerwas just claimed based on waivers from San Francisco.
Lowe has been a right fielder for most of his career. He didn’t see any action in center field last year and started just two games there in 2024. The Rays brought him into the middle in both games and he totaled seven combined innings. He has 156 career innings of center field experience. That’s too small a sample to get anything out of defensive stats.
The 6-foot-4 Lowe has long strides and is an above-average road runner, but Statcast wasn’t positive about his first steps. Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved have rated him as a slightly below-average right fielder in each of the past two seasons. It is unlikely that his performance would improve if he had to regularly play the most difficult position in the outfield.
While Lowe would be best at cornerback, the Angels don’t have many alternatives. Adell started half of their games in midfield last season. He was rated as one of the worst defensive center fielders in the MLB and moved to right field for the final month of the season. Teodosio is a talented defenseman who has hit .193/.236/.287 in 55 career games. Meckler hasn’t played in the big league in two years. The Angels could get Trout some center field work again in 2026, but prefer him in corner to keep him healthy.
Cody Bellinger would be a strong selection, but there’s no indication the Angels are making a serious attempt to add him to a long-term deal. Harrison Bader could be a more realistic target, albeit as another right-handed bat. Lowe would otherwise likely be their best option at the position, at least until a 20-year-old prospect Nelson Rada is MLB ready.
The Angels are aggressive with potential promotions and had Rada split his age-19 season between the top two minor league levels. He played well at both stops and could get a look in early 2026. Prospect evaluators praise Rada’s approach, speed and defense. He has minimal power and is hitting .292/.398/.360 in the minors.
Lowe will be looking for a bounce-back season after falling to a .220/.283/.366 hit over 435 plate appearances in his final year with Tampa Bay. He was an average hitter two years ago and showed an All-Star caliber ceiling in 2023, when he hit .292/.335/.500 with 20 home runs and 32 steals in 135 games. That’s the only season in which he reached 110 games or 500 at-bats. Lowe has been hampered by injuries the past two years, mainly oblique issues.
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