The Boston Red Sox have managed to stay afloat in the AL East despite first base being a veritable black hole this season. By now, most Red Sox fans know the story. Triston Casas is out of the season, Rafael Devers didn't want to play first base and is now in San Francisco, and Boston has been running out Abraham Toro most days despite his limited experience at the position.
First base has been quite the adventure for the Red Sox, but the Washington Nationals may have opened the door for Boston to fill the spot with a former Gold Glove Award-winner and World Series champion.
The Nats activated outfielder Dylan Crews from the 60-day injured list and in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Washington desingated Nathanial Lowe for assignment. A longtime member of the Texas Rangers, Lowe was traded to DC this past offseason and Jake Burger landed in Arlington. Though he's having a down-year, Lowe could provide a nice upgrade at first base given how poorly Toto has played of late.
Red Sox first base woes could end thanks to Nationals DFA'ing Nathaniel Lowe
Lowe is hitting just .216/.292/.373 this season and owns a career-worst 88 OPS+. That's a far cry from Lowe's typical production. Last season with the Rangers, Lowe hit .265/.361/.401 and for his career owns a .263/.346/.424 slash line with 105 home runs, 397 RBI, and a 116 OPS+.
As an added bonus, Lowe is under team control through next season. The 30-year-old is taking home $10.3 million this season, but if the Red Sox picked him up off waivers, Boston would only be on the hook for the remainder of his 2025 salary — somewhere in the neighborhood of about $2 million. Lowe is arbitration eligible next season, but could always be non-tendered this offseason.
Toro is more versatile than Lowe, but has a hit a skid of late. After hitting .286/.333/.457 through the month of June, Toro has a meager .200/.259/.295 slash line since. If the Red Sox are looking for a true first baseman with postseason experience heading into the final month of the season, picking up Lowe could be in the cards.