Red Sox fans should keep an eye on Nathaniel Lowe.
The Washington Nationals waived the veteran first baseman last week after he posted a .216 average and .665 OPS in 119 games. However, Boston showed interest in a potential Lowe trade earlier this season after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, and a new report indicates the Red Sox could pursue the 30-year-old now that he’s on the open market.
“According to industry sources, Boston is expected to be in the mix to sign first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who was designated for assignment by the Nationals earlier this week and is in the process of being unconditionally released,” MassLive’s Chris Cotillo wrote Saturday.
“Washington requested release waivers on Lowe on Saturday, so he should become a free agent (by Monday afternoon). At that point, he’ll be able to sign with any team for the prorated portion of the major league minimum. The Red Sox, who could use a left-handed bat at first base, are expected to jump in and pursue Lowe at that point.”
Despite his struggles this season, Lowe has an established track record as an above-average first baseman. He ranked in the top 10 in FanGraphs WAR in each of the last three campaigns, and hit .274 while averaging 19.5 homers from 2021 through 2024 while playing for the Texas Rangers.
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Lowe likely would replace the lefty-hitting Abraham Toro, who’s cooled off considerably after a hot streak earlier in the season. From June 24 through Aug. 16, Toro hit just .198 with a .556 OPS.
If the Red Sox signed Lowe, they seemingly would platoon with him righty-hitting Romy Gonzalez, who’s been Boston’s primary first baseman against left-handed pitchers.
