The Boston Red Sox have been playing great baseball as of late and have entered the American League playoff picture. With about 10 days left until MLB’s trade deadline, the Red Sox are one of the most interesting teams to watch for, as they could potentially make season-changing moves.
Boston has already made the craziest move this season by trading away Rafael Devers, but it has worked out in their favor, and now, star outfielder Jarren Duran has been the subject of trade rumors. The two biggest needs for Boston are starting pitching depth and a first baseman. With the reports today that the Washington Nationals are taking calls on some of their tradeable players, the Red Sox could inquire about a certain first baseman.
Red Sox Should Ask About Nathaniel Lowe
Ever since Triston Casas went down in early May with a season-ending injury, the Boston Red Sox have been searching for an option that can take over one of the hot corners. However, it has been difficult, and the players who have received innings over there have not been productive with the bat. For now, it’s been Abraham Toro and a couple of platoon options.
This trade idea sees the Red Sox land Washington Nationals first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who is expected to be moved come the July 31st deadline. Lowe has 15 home runs this season, and is slugging just about .400. The perfect option for Boston, which hasn’t seen any power production from its first baseman.
The Red Sox have not made the playoffs since 2021, and this could be a year where they earn a Wild Card spot. Looking up to both the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays in the division, winning the tough AL East may be unlikely, but they are certainly in the thick of things in the Wild Card. Turning to first base by committee is just not going to get the job done, and while Boston may have won 10 games in a row entering the All-Star break, that was against lower competition besides the Tampa Bay Rays, and their head-to-head games are coming against the Yankees and Blue Jays shortly.
What Could the Nationals Ask For?
Lowe is signed through 2025, but has an arbitration year coming up with either the Washington Nationals or another team to which he gets traded. However, he does not cost that much, and wouldn’t cost the Boston Red Sox that much capital if they wanted to make this move. Lowe won the World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and has a career-high of 27 home runs. He certainly isn’t going to light up the stat sheets, but he would be a huge upgrade for Boston at first base. In 200 at-bats, Toro has just 5 home runs.
If the Red Sox are going to be active at the deadline, first base should be at the top of the list in terms of positions they are targeting. And if the Nationals really do decide to move off guys like Lowe, Boston should be one of the top callers for the power-hitting first baseman.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Red Sox-Nationals Trade Idea Solves Boston’s First Base Problem appeared first on Heavy Sports.