After starting August hot, the Boston Red Sox have cooled off during a tough West Coast trip. In need of a spark, they’re turning to a proven bat: former Silver Slugger Nathaniel Lowe.
The 30-year-old first baseman signed with the Red Sox on Monday, per MLB.com, joining the club ahead of its series with the Baltimore Orioles. Manager Alex Cora praised the addition and highlighted Lowe’s postseason experience with the Texas Rangers.
"A left-handed hitter who has been there, done that. He was part of the Rangers when they won [the 2023 World Series]. He's excited to be here. We'll use him against righties, certain lefties, and to pinch hit late. We'll maximize the roster."Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager
After losing the starting first baseman, Tristan Casas, to a season-ending injury in May, the team has platooned at the position, with Abraham Toro facing right-handed pitchers and Romy Gonzalez facing left-handers.
This season, Romy is hitting .354 with a .404 OBP and .667 slugging percentage against lefties, and will likely continue to keep that role for the rest of the season. Toro, on the other hand, has struggled of late and will likely lose his spot in the lineup to Lowe, who has hit 14 home runs this season against right-handers.
Lowe, 30, began the season with the Washington Nationals and set career lows in batting average (.216), on-base percentage (.292), and slugging percentage (.373). While 2024 has been a down year, his track record suggests he still has value. Before the season, Lowe was a mainstay in the Texas Rangers’ lineup for four seasons and hit .273 while averaging 20 home runs and driving in 75 runs a season.
With 37 games left in the regular season, the Boston Red Sox are in position to secure one of the three American League Wild-Card spots. This move by the team’s front office shows that they are all-in on this season. If he can regain some of his Texas Rangers’ form, Lowe could become a key piece in Boston’s push for its first playoff berth since 2021.