It’s been nearly 11 months since the Texas Rangers dealt their Gold Glove, Silver Slugger first baseman to the Washington Nationals. Now, he’s up for grabs this winter.
Nathaniel Lowe, 30, was officially released by the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday after just 34 games with the organization following his mid-season release from Washington. The left-hander will hit the free agent and join a loaded first baseman class.
All of a sudden, Rangers’ fans quickly showed interest about his return this offseason. As it would’ve been back in August, bringing him back now would be a mistake.
Signing Lowe would be massive step backward for Rangers in 2026
While rumors were circulating of Lowe’s return to Texas after his release from the Nats, we cautioned fans to not buy into the hype and nostalgia that Lowe represented. Instead, take a long look into whether he would actually be a benefit to the roster. That same question is posed now.
During the 2025 season, Lowe slashed .228/.307/.381 with 18 home runs, 84 RBIs, 23 doubles and a .762 OPS in 153 games with Washington and Boston.
While his 84 RBIs technically would have led the Rangers in that category, it’s not necesasrily a pro to be used. Not only did Lowe have many at-bats with RISP than any other Ranger in 2025 but 84 RBIs to lead a team is not good.
Jake Burger, on a down season where he went to the IL three times, drove in 53 runs in 50 less games. Of course no telling if Burger will get back to his 2024 self but if he did, that includes those same run production numbers and 10 to 20 homers more than Lowe.
Then there’s the other first base free agent options, including Pete Alonso, Ryan O’Hearn, Luis Arraez and a couple of Japanese stars waiting in the wings to be posted. All of which would be more productive options than Lowe.
While Texas is searching for an identity to take into the new era under manager Skip Schumaker, it also means potentially parting ways with players who no longer fit the bill. That includes Jonah Heim and Adolis Garcia, maybe Marcus Semien and especially means not feeding into the hype to bring Lowe back.
