MLB Trade Rumors predicts Brandon Lowe will sign with the Blue Jays. Anthony Franco projects a three-year, $69 million deal for the slugging second baseman.

The prediction landed as free agency opened this week. With a lockout looming Dec. 1, deals could come quickly.

Franco called Lowe “one of the most enticing bats” on the market, not just among second basemen.

The power is proven. He hit 35 homers for the Pirates in 2026, his second straight 30-homer season.

The quality of contact backs it up. He posted a 91 m.p.h. average exit velocity and a 12.5% barrel rate.

He's never been a below-average hitter by wRC+ in any of his nine seasons. His 121 mark this year sat right in line with his career norm.

Brandon Lowe would push Ernie Clement into a utility role

Where does that leave Clement? On the bench, where he may be most valuable.

Ross Atkins made it clear in September that the job isn't guaranteed. “He's got to earn every bit of that,” the GM said.

Atkins added that Clement “can be an everyday, impactful player,” but that because Toronto is “such a good team, he isn't the guy that's being penciled in every day.”

Lowe would slot into the middle of the order. That would also free the Jays to chase another big bat for the outfield.

Franco's pick is the right one. Three years for Lowe's power is a smart deal for a lineup that finished last in homers, and it returns the utility man to the role that suits him best.

Adding him is like finally putting the right tool in the right drawer. Everything else in the toolbox starts making more sense.

Age is the main concern. Franco noted an outside chance at a four-year deal for a hitter 32 or older, but three years feels safer.

Toronto has been linked to Lowe for weeks. If Atkins closes it before the lockout, the second base question finally gets an answer.