Former Red Sox Nathaniel Lowe Reportedly Joins NL Club

Nathaniel Lowe landed a new opportunity before the 2026 season.

The Cincinnati Reds added Lowe on a non-roster deal, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and Mark Sheldon. The veteran first baseman will compete for a spot on the big league club this spring.

Lowe posted at least a 2.0 fWAR with an OPS above .760 in four straight seasons with the Texas Rangers before getting traded to the Washington Nationals. He struggled with his new club, who released him in August with a .665 OPS.

In need of a first baseman, Boston grabbed the 2023 Gold Glove winner. A change of scenery worked wonders for Lowe, who batted .280/.370/.420 in 119 plate appearances.

The Red Sox nevertheless moved on, acquiring Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals to play first base. Lowe settled for a minor league deal with a Reds organization that already had a crowded infield.

Sal Stewart looks poised to open the 2026 season as Cincinnati’s starting first baseman after slugging .545 as a September call-up. If the rookie falters, the left-handed Lowe could earn the heavy side of a platoon role with the right-handed rookie.

Yet the Reds also have Spencer Steer, who could move to the outfield or third base after spending most of a down 2025 at first. Christian Encarnacion-Strand boasts considerable power upside, but the 26-year-old may have to prove he’s not a proverbial “Quad-A” slugger after posting a .611 OPS last season.

Lacking a typical first baseman’s power, Lowe has reached 20 home runs in just one of his seven MLB seasons. Playing his home games in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park could bolster his production if he earns a spot.