Former MLB GM’s Trade Idea Sends Red Sox Top 30 Prospect to Nationals for Slugging First Baseman originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Despite some admirable performances from Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez, the Boston Red Sox may still be in the market for a first baseman. And the only difference between now and last week is that they have a sizable power gap to fill after trading away Rafael Devers.
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In a recent article from The Athletic, MLB insider and former general manager, Jim Bowden, suggested trading Red Sox no. 15 prospect LHP Payton Tolle for Washington Nationals first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. When discussing potential upgrades for each AL Wild Card contender, Bowden justified his proposal writing this:
“Last year [Nathaniel Lowe] slashed .265/.361/.401 with 16 homers and 69 RBIs while playing plus defense at first base. This year with the Nationals, he’s hitting just .227 but has 12 doubles, 10 home runs and 45 RBIs in 75 games. He’d be an upgrade for the Sox, who would control him through 2026. Lowe would be a solid place holder until prospect James Tibbs III, acquired in the Devers trade, is ready for the majors.
“A second-round pick in 2024, Tolle has an eye-popping 70 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings this season in High A. This is the type of deal the Nationals need to make at the trade deadline: adding more power arms to their stable.”
Jun 15, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Alex Call (17) is congratulated by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (33) after scoring a run against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Nationals Park.Brad Mills-Imagn Images
Lowe, a Gold Glover in 2023, will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Given his lack of success this year, it shouldn’t take too much to pry him away from the Nationals. However, it was only in 2022 when Lowe hit for a batting average of .302 with 27 home runs. Any bet on Lowe may pay off nicely if he can start producing again.
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Related: $44 Million, 100 mph Pitcher Obtained in Devers Trade Nears Red Sox Debut
Related: Rafael Devers Couldn’t Get Giants Prospect Red Sox Wanted
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.