Lowe, Gonzales and arbitration costs drive offseason decisions

Pittsburgh extended Brandon Lowe a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer by the Nov. 2 deadline; he has until Nov. 17 to decide, and no decision or other negotiations are confirmed. Second-base alternatives remain speculative, while a hypothetical Paredes trade has been discussed without reported Pirates interest. The Nov. 17 Rule 5 deadline and two open 40-man spots add pressure.