The Los Angeles Angels just made a trade that could haunt them for years—and it’s not because Josh Lowe is a bad player. Here’s the shocking part: the real mistake wasn’t acquiring Lowe; it was letting go of Brock Burke, the bullpen’s unsung hero. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Lowe brings potential, Burke was a proven asset, and his departure leaves a gaping hole in the Angels’ relief corps.
In 2025, the Angels’ bullpen was a rollercoaster—dominating one day, crumbling the next. Amidst this chaos, Brock Burke stood out as a beacon of reliability. With a 3.40 ERA across 90 games and a 128 ERA+ that trailed only Kenley Jansen among Angels pitchers, Burke was the kind of consistent performer every team dreams of. And this is the part most people miss: his performance wasn’t a fluke. There was every reason to believe he’d carry that success into 2026 and beyond. Yet, the Angels shipped him to the Reds in a three-team deal for Josh Lowe, a move that feels like a gamble at best.
Lowe, a four-year MLB veteran, had an underwhelming 2024, with his batting average and OPS taking a nosedive. However, with four years of team control, the Angels are betting they can revive his 2023 form, when he posted a solid 3.7 WAR. It’s a risky bet, though, especially when compared to the certainty Burke provided. Here’s the bold truth: trading a proven reliever for a hitter whose best days might be behind him is a head-scratcher, especially when there’s no clear replacement in sight.
The Angels did add Drew Pomeranz this offseason, a left-handed reliever who posted an elite 2.17 ERA in 2025. But here’s the catch: Pomeranz is 37 years old and had been out of the big leagues for years before his recent resurgence. His performance could plummet at any moment, and even if he thrives, he’ll hit free agency again after 2026. Relying on him to replace Burke is like building a house on sand—it might hold up, but it’s far from a sure thing.
Brock Burke’s departure isn’t just a loss for the Angels; it’s a gain for the Reds, who now have a reliable arm to bolster their bullpen. For Perry Minasian and the Angels’ front office, this trade feels like a roll of the dice. If Lowe flops and Burke thrives in Cincinnati, Minasian’s tenure as GM could be on thin ice. Here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Did the Angels prioritize short-term outfield help over long-term bullpen stability? And was it worth the risk? Let us know what you think in the comments—this trade is sure to divide opinions.
