The Los Angeles Angels just made a head-scratching move that could come back to haunt them—and it’s not because of the player they acquired. Here’s the shocking part: trading away Brock Burke for Josh Lowe might be their biggest blunder of the offseason, but not for the reason you’d expect. Let me explain.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for the Angels’ bullpen. They had moments of sheer dominance, only to be followed by stretches of exhaustion that left fans heartbroken. Amidst this chaos, Brock Burke emerged as a rock-solid reliever, consistently delivering when it mattered most. But in a surprising three-team trade, the Angels shipped him off to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for outfielder Josh Lowe. And this is where it gets controversial: was Lowe really worth giving up one of their most reliable arms?
Josh Lowe, a four-season Major League veteran, had an underwhelming 2024 at the plate. His batting average and OPS took a nosedive over the past two years, raising questions about his future productivity. However, with four years of team control remaining, the Angels are betting they can revive the 3.7 WAR hitter he was in 2023. But here’s where it gets risky: what if they can’t? And what if Brock Burke’s absence leaves a gaping hole in their bullpen?
Brock Burke wasn’t just good—he was exceptional. Since joining the Angels, he posted a stellar 3.40 ERA across 90 games, with a 128 ERA+ that trailed only Kenley Jansen among Angels pitchers in 2025. There was every reason to believe he’d continue this level of performance in 2026 and beyond. Trading him away, especially without a proven replacement, feels like a gamble the Angels didn’t need to take.
The Angels did add left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz this offseason, but this move doesn’t justify Burke’s departure. While Pomeranz was elite in 2025 with a 2.17 ERA, he’s a 37-year-old who spent years out of the big leagues before his recent resurgence. His performance could plummet at any moment, and even if he thrives, he’ll be a free agent after 2026. Relying on him as Burke’s replacement is a shaky strategy at best.
Brock Burke’s consistency and effectiveness made him a cornerstone of the Angels’ bullpen, and now he’s likely to shine for the Reds. This trade feels like a risky dice roll by GM Perry Minasian and the front office. If it backfires, it could define his tenure as a costly misstep. And this is the part most people miss: the Angels didn’t just lose a reliever—they lost a player who embodied reliability in an unpredictable season.
So, here’s the burning question: Did the Angels make a smart long-term play by acquiring Josh Lowe, or did they sacrifice immediate bullpen stability for a risky bet? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think this trade will pay off, or will the Angels regret letting Brock Burke go?
