Pirates’ Brandon Lowe Records First Home Run of the 2026 MLB Season
In an exciting start to the 2026 Major League Baseball season, Pittsburgh Pirates’ second baseman Brandon Lowe has made headlines by becoming the first player to hit a home run. During a matchup with the New York Mets, which took place on Thursday, Lowe showcased his hitting prowess by smashing a noteworthy home run that narrowly cleared the right field wall, giving the Pirates an early lead of 2-0 in the first inning.
The 31-year-old Lowe, who was an All-Star in 2025, is continuing his impressive form from last season, where he launched 31 home runs while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays. Remarkably, he did not stop at one home run; he returned to the plate in the top of the third inning to hit another home run, making it not only his second for the game but also the first and third home runs recorded by any player across all teams in the nascent 2026 season.
Following Lowe’s notable performance, Chicago White Sox’s Chase Meidroth hit a home run shortly thereafter in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, securing the distinction of the league’s second home run for the new season.
Brandon Lowe’s journey to the Pirates came via a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a three-team deal in December. This deal also saw the Pirates acquire relief pitcher Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum in exchange for Lowe, indicating the team’s strategic move to bolster their roster as they aim for a successful season.
The anticipation surrounding the 2026 MLB season is palpable, with fans eager to see how teams and their star players, like Lowe, will perform throughout the upcoming games.
