Boston has not shut the door on external additions for the final stretch of the season, and the Red Sox are expected to be in the mix for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe once he completes his release from Washington.
Industry sources say Boston could jump in for Lowe, who was designated for assignment by the Nationals and is in the process of being unconditionally released after Washington requested release waivers on Saturday. Once released, Lowe will be free to sign with any team for the prorated portion of the major league minimum. With Boston seeking a left-handed bat at first base, Lowe’s name is among the contenders that could surface in the coming days, though other hopefuls will also be in the running.
Lowe, who turned 30 last month, has endured a down year after being sent from Texas to Washington in December. He’s hitting .216 with 16 homers, 68 RBIs, a .665 OPS and a 26.5% strikeout rate. He’s fared better against right-handed pitching (.235 average, .732 OPS) than left-handed pitching (.174, .516), which could make him a fit as a platoon partner at first base if he lands in Boston alongside left-handed masher Romy Gonzalez. Lowe’s resume includes a Silver Slugger Award in 2022 and a Gold Glove in 2023, underscoring the potential a change of scenery could unlock during the final six weeks of the season.
The Red Sox are attracted to Lowe’s track record of success and the potential for a low-cost, high-upside addition with a prorated deal. In other words, he could offer a spark if adjustments and playing time opportunities align, even after a rough 2025 campaign.
A potential Lowe pursuit would likely impact Abraham Toro’s role. Toro has been a bright spot for Boston since stepping in after Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury, but his production has cooled of late. Over the last two months, Toro has slumped, posting just a .199 average with a .562 OPS in his past 50 games. Across the season, he’s hit .238 with a .680 OPS against right-handed pitching. Lowe’s arrival would create another avenue for the Red Sox to balance their infield and outfield mix, potentially reducing Toro’s playing time if Lowe proves capable of stepping in effectively.
Boston also has internal options to consider. Kristian Campbell, who has spent most of the season at Triple-A, has been handling first-base duties for the Worcester affiliate in recent weeks. Cora indicated Campbell still has work to do before he’s considered for a late-season call-up, suggesting the team would weigh Lowe’s addition against Campbell’s development timeline.
Manager Alex Cora has publicly acknowledged Toro’s contributions, emphasizing that the team benefited when Casas went down and Toro stepped in. “He has been amazing for us,” Cora said recently. “Without him and without Romy in that spot, we’re not in this position.” While Toro’s numbers have cooled, his versatility and recent track record have kept him in the mix as the Red Sox assess their options for the final weeks of the season.
If Lowe signs, Boston would join a group of contenders eyeing the veteran left-handed bat, hoping that a mid-rotation upgrade or a change of scenery could yield dividends in a tight race to the finish.
Summary: The Red Sox are mulling Nathaniel Lowe as a cost-efficient, potentially high-upside addition for the final weeks of the season. Lowe’s release from Washington will enable him to sign for the prorated MLB minimum, and he would add left-handed depth at first base while potentially creating a platoon scenario with Romy Gonzalez. The decision will hinge on how the roster breaks for Toro and the development timeline of Kristian Campbell, with Boston weighing immediate impact against long-term upside.
Editorial note: If Lowe signs, it could offer a modest but meaningful lift for Boston’s offense and fielding depth, while keeping options open for future flexibility as the playoff push continues.
Potential implications: A Lowe addition would likely shift playing time away from Toro, especially against left-handed pitching, and could accelerate Campbell’s timeline if he’s viewed as a September depth option. Either way, the Red Sox remain active in pursuing opportunities to improve the roster for the stretch run.