The Washington Nationals have lacked a clear long-term first baseman since Ryan Zimmerman retired. The Nationals traded lefty reliever Robert Garcia to the Texas Rangers in December for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, but Lowe struggled offensively and defensively in 2025 and was designated for assignment. The Boston Red Sox claimed Lowe without surrendering prospect capital while contending for an American League Wild Card spot. Lowe hit a game-tying two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth at Fenway but the Red Sox later lost in extra innings. Lowe previously earned Silver Slugger and Gold Glove honors before his decline.
After making a trade with the Texas Rangers back in December, it seemed as if the position was finally solidified, but that was not the case. That trade, which sent a reliable lefty reliever in Robert Garcia to the Texas Rangers in exchange for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, became a net loss for the Nationals, as he is no longer on the team.
After trade rumors circulated earlier this season when Lowe was still performing well that the Boston Red Sox were interested in acquiring Lowe's services, they finally went out and got their guy without having to give up any sort of prospect capital. The Red Sox, who currently occupy the 2nd of 3 American League Wild Card playoff spots, are 68-59, and have been playing much better baseball since sending Rafael Devers packing in the early blockbuster of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline season.
Lowe wasted no time making friends with the Red Sox fanbase, as he blasted a game-tying 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th, sending Fenway Park into a frenzy as he circled the bases. However, the Red Sox would go on to lose the game in extra innings to the Baltimore Orioles, but Lowe's impact on the game already showed the kind of player he can be in a winning environment.
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