Fallen Rangers World Series star's redemption tour continues with Reds' latest decision

Cincinatti Reds select former Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe's contract

With the Reds selecting his contract, Lowe will be on Cincinnati's Opening Day roster barring a last-minute injury. He is set to make $1.75 million and has the opportunity to earn $250,000 in incentives. The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans first reported the news. Rosecrans wrote that Lowe will likely take the 40-man roster spot of Hunter Greene, who will begin the season on the 60-day IL after undergoing elbow surgery.

Lowe spent four seasons with Texas after the Rangers acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays on Dec. 10, 2020. Lowe was a solid contributor during his four years with Texas, posting 11.2 bWAR and a .274/.359/.432 (122 OPS+) slash line with 78 homers and 299 RBI. He struggled defensively most of his career before drastically improving in 2023 and 2024, posting 12 Outs Above Average (OAA). And while his postseason stats in 2023 weren't great, he still played a vital role in getting the Rangers to the playoffs with his strong regular-season performance, posting 2.7 bWAR and a 114 OPS+ over 140 games.

Despite Lowe being a valuable player with Texas, the Rangers traded him to the Washington Nationals for left-handed reliever Robert Garcia, who posted a 2.95 ERA across 64 innings with the Rangers in 2025, last offseason.

It's safe to say that the Nationals regret giving up Garcia for Lowe. The former Rangers first baseman struggled significantly with Washington, hitting .216/.292/.373 (88 OPS+) with 16 homers and 68 RBI over 119 games. His defense also regressed, as he posted -5 OAA with the Nationals.

Because of his struggles, Lowe was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Aug. 14. Washington released him two days later. Then, he signed a deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Lowe has redeemed himself since being released by Nationals

Lowe was a key contributor for Boston in 34 regular-season games last season, slashing .280/.370/.420 (121 OPS+) with two homers, six doubles and 16 RBI. He went 1-for-7 during the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees.

Even though Lowe had solid stats during his short tenure with the Red Sox, he was designated for assignment in November. He then signed a minor-league contract with the Reds last month.

Lowe has had a strong spring training thus far, which is likely why the Reds selected his contract. In 44 plate appearances this spring, Lowe is hitting .289/.386/.632 with three home runs, four doubles and eight RBI.