The Boston Red Sox have not lived up to expectations in the 2025 MLB season so far, entering Thursday’s slate of games with a losing record despite an ambitious offseason packed with high-profile acquisitions. The front office had hoped that the additions of left-handed ace Garrett Crochet, proven starters like Walker Buehler, flame-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman, and power-hitting third baseman Alex Bregman would turn the tide for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in three years. But rather than igniting a resurgence, the new-look roster has run into turbulence, especially following a key injury that has left the team scrambling.
That setback came when starting first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the year. Casas, one of Boston’s cornerstone young hitters, was expected to anchor the middle of the lineup. His loss created a significant void, and so far, the Red Sox have failed to find a consistent or adequate replacement at first base.
In a surprising development, the Red Sox reportedly approached the star slugger with the idea of shifting across the diamond to play first base. Rafael Devers declined the request, preferring to remain at third base. With no immediate internal solution, Boston has turned to rookie Kristian Campbell, a promising prospect, and begun working him out at the position. However, it remains uncertain if or when Campbell will be ready to take on the role full-time.
As the club continues to search for solutions, Red Sox executives have acknowledged they are evaluating external options, including potential trade acquisitions. On a recent episode of the Fenway Rundown podcast, longtime Red Sox insider Sean McAdam shed light on a possible trade target who could fill the gap at first base.
According to McAdam, “The Red Sox did initially canvas teams to see if there might be a trade that could be made to bring in a more established first baseman. I did hear that at least one team had contacted the Washington Nationals of late to inquire about the potential availability of Nathaniel Lowe. I don’t know for a fact that it was the Red Sox, but it seems likely. There are not a lot of other teams in the market in mid-May for first basemen other than the Red Sox, so I’m going to assume that was one of the calls they made.”
McAdam’s logic makes sense. Lowe, a left-handed-hitting first baseman, has the kind of profile that would appeal to Boston: a solid veteran presence with offensive upside and experience at the position. Lowe had a breakout campaign in 2022 with the Texas Rangers, hitting .302 with 27 home runs, a .358 on-base percentage, and a .492 slugging percentage — numbers that earned him a Silver Slugger Award. After being traded to the Nationals and agreeing to a one-year, $10.3 million deal to avoid arbitration, Lowe finds himself with a team that could become sellers depending on how their season unfolds.
At present, however, the Nationals are reportedly not ready to part with Lowe or any other key players. McAdam emphasized that Washington has yet to “wave the white flag” on their season, meaning any trade involving Lowe is unlikely in the short term. But as the July trade deadline approaches and if the Nationals begin to fade from postseason contention, the door could open for a deal.
For the Red Sox, acquiring a steady and proven first baseman like Lowe could help stabilize a lineup that’s lacked balance and consistency in Casas’ absence. And with internal options unproven and Devers unwilling to move positions, Boston may have little choice but to make a move if they want to remain competitive in the tough American League East.
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