Red Sox add veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe as they push toward October
Nathaniel Lowe’s career path took a quick turn from DFA to ready-made contributor for Boston. After being designated for assignment by the Nationals on Thursday, Lowe cleared waivers, was released, and became available to all teams for the prorated major league minimum. By Sunday, he was in Boston and on the verge of signing with the Red Sox, officially joining the roster Monday.
Boston plans to use Lowe as their primary first baseman against right-handed pitchers, part of a small platoon at the corner with Romy Gonzalez at second base and Abraham Toro, a switch-hitter, continuing to get starts at first against lefties. Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury in May opened a path for Lowe, and the club looked for a low-cost, high-upside option to help fuel a late-season postseason push. At 68-57, the Red Sox feel they’re in a position to contend.
Lowe expressed genuine excitement about the change of scenery and the chance to contribute to a winning clubhouse. “I’ve always enjoyed coming here as a visitor,” he said. “The gameday environment is so great and seeing this team win and being part of something like that is incredibly attractive. There’s a need for first base, and I’d like to think I can plug in and contribute.”
The veteran infielder’s first stint in Washington didn’t go as hoped. In 119 games this season with the Nationals, he hit .216 with 16 homers and 17 doubles, posting a .665 OPS. Lowe acknowledged the rough stretch, noting, “I’d like to have amnesia about it and wipe it from my memory. There are bright spots I can still lean on, but there’s plenty of room for improvement and time left for this team to do something special.”
The move gives the Red Sox a low-cost option with considerable upside. Toro has had his share of offensive struggles recently (.199 with a .562 OPS over the last 50 games), and Gonzalez has provided versatility in the infield. Lowe, who batted left-handed and previously thrived with the Rangers, providing a four-year run with a .274 average, 78 homers, 299 RBIs and a .791 OPS, gives Boston a veteran presence and a track record of impact performances when healthy.
Boston manager Alex Cora pointed to Lowe’s track record and ceiling, noting the plan to maximize the roster with a mix of right-handed matchups and left-handed platoons. “Left-handed hitter who has been there, done that,” Cora said, highlighting Lowe’s experience with the Rangers’ playoff run. He added that Lowe will be used against right-handed pitchers and certain lefties, with Toro and Gonzalez rounding out the everyday mix as the club optimizes late-game and pinch-hit opportunities.
Lowe also recalled a memorable moment from his time as a National when he faced the Red Sox during a Fourth of July weekend series at Nationals Park and watched Boston dominate Washington in a sweep. That experience, he said, underscored why he’s excited to join a team that has bought into a winning culture and is focused on closing out the season strong and making a postseason run.
The deal includes potential considerations for next season if Lowe performs well down the stretch, with the left-handed hitter earning $10.3 million this season. The Red Sox are betting on his proven big-game pedigree and their current roster construction to create a productive late-season unit.
What this could mean for Boston going forward
– Depth and flexibility at first base, with Lowe handling right-handed pitching and Toro handling left-handed matchups, creating a cleaner platoon around a healthier lineup.
– A veteran presence who has postseason experience and a history of contributing in key moments, potentially giving the lineup more late-inning options.
– The addition complements a minimized financial risk scenario while providing upside for a strong playoff push as the season winds down.
Summary
Boston added Nathaniel Lowe after his Nationals stint, bringing a left-handed bat with proven power and a veteran floor to a Red Sox lineup seeking stability at first base and depth for a postseason drive. He joins a platoon-oriented infield mix and is seen as a strong fit for a team aiming to maximize its chances down the stretch.
Positive spin
This move positions Boston to sustain its winning momentum by pairing Lowe’s experience with a flexible platoon, giving the club a clear path to maximize matchups and late-game opportunities while staying affordable.