MLB Rumors: Red Sox, Nathaniel Lowe Face Big Non-Tender Decision

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow faces some big decisions this week. He has a Tuesday deadline to add players to the 40-man roster, which will shield them from next month’s Rule 5 Draft.

Breslow is staring at a Friday deadline to tender contracts to players already not on guaranteed deals. Among those eligible is first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who Boston acquired in August after his release by the Washington Nationals.

UPDATE (1:49 p.m.): Multiple sources report the Red Sox designated Lowe for assignment Tuesday to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Tristan Gray, who Boston acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-hander Luis Guerrero.

Days Numbered?

Count Masslive.com’s Chris Cotillo among those who think Lowe’s days in Beantown are numbered.

“The most obvious non-tender candidate on the roster is first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who is projected to earn $13.5 million in 2026,” Cotillo writes. “That mark represents much more than what he’d get on the open market after a down season that included him being cut by the Nationals.

“Lowe will almost certainly be lopped off the roster but could re-sign at a lower rate as he tests the open market. Boston is anticipating the healthy return of Triston Casas next season and is looking to upgrade the first base position via free agency or trade,” Cotillo adds.

Market Analysis

CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson agrees with Cotillo’s analysis.

“Lowe might be the most obvious non-tender candidate in the majors,” Anderson reports. “He was a nifty addition for the Red Sox last summer when they signed him after his failed stint with the Nationals. In 34 games, he batted .280/.370/.420 (121 OPS+) and reminded people that he has a track record of being an above-average offensive contributor.

“Boston has no need for another non-elite corner player, however, and especially not one slated to clear more than $13 million through arbitration. Lowe ought to land on his feet with another team, his fourth since Opening Day 2024. Prediction: Non-tendered,” Anderson concludes.

Lowe won a Silver Slugger Award in 2022 with the Texas Rangers after he clubbed a career-high 27 home runs. He added a Gold Glove Award in 2023, when he helped the Rangers win the World Series.

The 30-year-old Lowe struggled last season with the Nationals, hitting a career-low .216 in 119 games with Washington.

But he enjoyed a renaissance in Boston, hitting .280 in 34 games.