The Boston Red Sox reportedly have a new first baseman.
Late Sunday night, multiple reports indicated the Red Sox were finalizing a deal with Nathaniel Lowe, who was released by the Washington Nationals last week. The move isn’t surprising, as numerous rumors connected Boston to Lowe after his release.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive suggested Lowe could be in the lineup Monday night when the Red Sox begin a two-game home series against the Baltimore Orioles.
“The Red Sox are close to adding a veteran first baseman for the home stretch,” Cotillo wrote. “Boston is finalizing a contract with Nathaniel Lowe and could have him in the lineup before Monday’s game against the Orioles, according to major league sources. Lowe, a former Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, could (be) active as soon as Monday, though the Sox will likely start lefty masher Romy Gonzalez against southpaw Trevor Rogers in the series opener against Baltimore.”
Cotillo added: “Lowe was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Nationals, so the Red Sox will owe him just the prorated portion of the major league minimum.”
Story continues below advertisement
Lowe posted a .216 average and .665 OPS in 119 games before Washington cut bait, but the 30-year-old 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.
Lowe, who hits left-handed, could replace the lefty-hitting Abraham Toro, who’s cooled off considerably after a hot streak earlier in the season. From June 24 through Aug. 17, Toro hit just .202 with a .557 OPS.
Lowe seemingly would platoon with him righty-hitting Romy Gonzalez, Boston’s primary first baseman against left-handed pitchers.
Story continues below advertisement
