Red Sox 'Likely' Pursuing $10 Million Silver Slugger in Trade, Insider Says
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The Boston Red Sox have disappointed so far this season with a losing record going into Thursday, even after an offseason of significant additions.
The team added Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman and Alex Bregman among others in hopes of ending a three-year playoff drought. But those additions were followed by a significant loss that raised unanswered questions about the roster.
After Red Sox first baseman Triston Cases suffered a season-ending knee injury, the team has been unable to land on a significant substitute. The team asked franchise slugger Rafael Devers to try it out, and he has refused. Boston is now working out rookie Kristian Campbell at the position, but it isn't clear if or when he will be ready to take it on full-time.
As they search for answers, the Red Sox have acknowledged they are considering external additions that could help. And in a recent episode of the "Fenway Rundown" podcast, team insider Sean McAdam identified a likely trade target.
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow of the Boston Red Sox addresses the media during an end of season press conference on September 30, 2024 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts....
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow of the Boston Red Sox addresses the media during an end of season press conference on September 30, 2024 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston)"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," McAdam said. "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 was the Red Sox but it seems likely it was. 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 assumption certainly makes sense on paper as Lowe would be the kind of veteran substitute who is familiar with the position, can offer similar offensive production to Casas and might not come at an outlandish cost from a likely seller.
In 2022, Lowe earned a Silver Slugger Award for a .302/.358/.492 season with 27 home runs as a member of the Texas Rangers. After taking a one-year deal with the Nationals and agreeing to a $10.3 million salary to avoid arbitration, he seems like a likely trade candidate.
However, McAdam added that the Nationals are not yet ready to "wave the white flag" by selling Lowe or any other player this early into the season. But as the trade deadline nears, the Red Sox's likely interest in Lowe could progress into an actual trade to bring him in for first base.
More MLB: Padres' Top National League Closer 'Expected to Opt Out' After Season Ends
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