Age on Opening Day 2026: 30
Service Time: 4.145
2023 Salary: $4.05M
2024 Salary: $7.5M
2025 Salary: $10.3M
2026 Salary (Projection): $13.5M
Background
Nathaniel Lowe was acquired as a free agent in August of 2025 after he was placed on waivers by the Washington Nationals. The belief was that he would be the go-to first baseman for the Boston Red Sox after they spent the bulk of the season revolving multiple players through the position in the wake of Triston Casas‘ injury. He’s played for four teams since his debut in 2019 and was a World Series champion with the Texas Rangers in 2023. He won a Gold Glove at first base in 2023 with the Rangers and the 2022 AL Silver Slugger Award for first baseman. He brought the pedigree of these awards to the clubhouse in Boston after his signing, but little else after a hot start.
2025 Season
Lowe had a down season in 2025, and failed to live up to the expectations of a front office that was hoping to rescue him from the Nationals. He started off hot after landing in Boston, then spent time on the paternity list at the end of August. Unfortunately, he really failed to get going after that. His Baseball Savant page is ice blue, minus two categories. He ranked in the 76th percentile of chase percentage (24%) and in the 72nd percentile in walk rate (10.2%). He didn’t provide the spark the team had hoped he would, but he did help to settle first base down the stretch.
2025 Stats: 153 G, 609 PA, .228/.307/.381, .689 OPS, 23 2B, 3 3B, 18 HR, 84 RBI, 10.2% BB%, 26.1% K%
Red Sox Depth at First Base
MLB: Triston Casas, Nathaniel Lowe, Romy Gonzalez
AAA: Nathan Hickey
Why the Red Sox Should Offer Him a Contract
The pedigree is still there for Lowe. He’s been a solid contributor on both sides of the ball as recently as 2024. First base is still a giant question mark moving forward for the team as well. Triston Casas is dangerously flirting with the ‘injury-prone’ label and although Romy Gonzalez played well at the position, he’s more suited as a super-utility infielder who gets spot starts against left-handed pitching. Even with a down offensive season, Lowe’s 18 home runs had him tied for third-most on the team with Alex Bregman. As he settles in throughout the offseason and gets to work with the Red Sox’s coaching staff throughout spring training, he’s bound to unlock more power and start taking better aim at the unique dimensions of Fenway Park.
Why the Red Sox Should Not Offer Him a Contract
Admittedly, $13.5 million dollars is a ton of money for a potential backup first baseman. Even if you take Casas out of the equation, the Red Sox match up well with free agent Pete Alonso, who would command the bulk of starts at the position. There are trades that will be made that could also land the Red Sox an upper-echelon first baseman as well. Lowe’s offensive (and defensive, if we’re being honest) downturn was unexpected, and he seemed to struggle to find his footing all season. Some attempted to blame playing for the lowly Washington Nationals for his struggles, but once he came to Boston and had something to actually play for, things didn’t really get much better for Lowe. Those millions could be invested elsewhere.
Projection
Expect the Red Sox to make Lowe an offer, but it will be a lowball number that’s not all too close to his projected salary. His play last season hurt his ability to argue that he had an impact on the team and that will be used against him. Look for Lowe to balk at the number and head to an arbitration hearing to plead his case. He doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on, but he will argue that he’s worth more than whatever number the Red Sox throw his way. If an addition like Alonso or someone else is brought in though, the Sox will likely move on from Lowe in some fashion.