If MLB salaries were measured in patience instead of dollars, Nathaniel Lowe might still be collecting interest. The Washington Nationals, faced with the harsh arithmetic of underperformance, decided to part ways with their highest-paid first baseman after a historically rough season. Lowe, once a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, now finds himself navigating waivers, while the question on everyone’s lips isn’t “why?” but “how much will he still earn?”

This was one of the most forgettable trades that have taken place in MLB history. While Nathaniel Lowe to the Nationals did have some hype behind it at the start, it died faster than the fire in a vacuum, and DFA was the best that could happen to both parties. But will Nathaniel Lowe get anything in return, and if yes, the question remains: how much will he leave the Nationals with?

In a recent article by the MLB Trade Rumors website, they talked about all things Nathaniel Lowe and his DFA situation. They wrote, “It’s an unexpected end to what’ll go down as a lackluster tenure with the Nats for Lowe… The Nationals likely explored potential deals for Lowe… but his ongoing slump and fairly hefty $10.3MM salary would’ve served as significant impediments to finding a deal… The Nats have up to five days to place Lowe on waivers.”

Nathaniel Lowe’s 2025 season with the Washington Nationals was marked by a significant decline in performance. Over 490 plate appearances, he posted a .216/.292/.373 slash line, with a career-high 26.5% strikeout rate and a negative fWAR of -0.7. Despite hitting 16 home runs and driving in 68 RBIs, his overall offensive and defensive metrics fell below expectations. This underperformance led to his designation for assignment on August 14, 2025, to make room for outfielder Dylan Crews, who was returning from the 60-day injured list.

The decision to designate Lowe for assignment was a strategic move for both the Nationals and the player. For Washington, it allowed the team to focus on younger prospects and future development, aligning with their rebuilding phase. For Lowe, the move provides an opportunity to reset and seek a fresh start with another organization. The Nationals will remain responsible for the entirety of his $10.3 million salary for the 2025 season, regardless of whether another team claims him off waivers.

Lowe’s arbitration ruling earlier in the year added complexity to his situation. The Nationals won the arbitration case, resulting in Lowe receiving a $10.3 million salary for the 2025 season, as opposed to his requested $11.1 million. This outcome, combined with his mid-season DFA, underscores the challenges players face when arbitration decisions are made during an ongoing season. Such circumstances can affect a player’s morale and performance, further complicating their standing with the team.

In the end, Nathaniel Lowe’s Nationals chapter serves as a cautionary tale for even decorated sluggers. Baseball may crown you with Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers, yet a .216 average and negative WAR can humble the highest-paid roster member. Lowe’s $10.3 million paycheck cushions the blow, but money can’t mask the reality of unmet expectations. For the Nationals, clearing roster space for youth was pure pragmatism; for Lowe, it’s a chance to remind baseball that old accolades don’t expire, even if patience does.

Will the Red Sox go after Nathaniel Lowe? Or will they hold back till the offseason?

When a rebuilding team holds a player too long, timing can become an art—and a headache. The Nationals might be ready to part ways with a veteran bat, but the market for first basemen rarely waits. Nathaniel Lowe, once a reliable middle-of-the-order presence, now finds himself in limbo as the Red Sox weigh their next move. In an ironic twist, Lowe’s future could hinge on a DFA, not a trade.

Nathaniel Lowe‘s recent designation for assignment by the Nationals has reignited trade discussions, notably with the Red Sox. Boston’s first base situation remains unsettled after Triston Casas’ season-ending injury, and Lowe could provide immediate stability. His experience and past performance make him a viable option for the Red Sox’s lineup. However, his recent struggles raise concerns about his current form. Acquiring Lowe now might be premature, considering his recent performance and the team’s long-term goals.

Lowe’s tenure with the Nationals has been marked by inconsistency, with a decline in key statistical categories. His career-low batting average and wRC+ this season highlight the challenges he’s faced. Despite occasional flashes of his former self, such as clutch hits, his overall contribution has been underwhelming. These factors suggest that a trade might not yield the desired impact for the Red Sox at this juncture.

Given the Red Sox’s current position and the Nationals’ rebuilding phase, pursuing Lowe in the offseason could be more strategic. This approach would allow Boston to assess their roster needs more thoroughly and negotiate from a position of strength. Additionally, waiting could provide Lowe with an opportunity to regain form, potentially increasing his value. Therefore, while Lowe presents a potential asset, acquiring him now may not align with the Red Sox’s long-term objectives.

For now, Nathaniel Lowe hovers between opportunity and uncertainty, a veteran caught in transactional limbo. The Red Sox, juggling injuries and positional experiments, face a choice between impatience and strategy. Timing, as always, remains a crucial currency in baseball’s high-stakes MLB marketplace. Perhaps patience will pay off, proving that sometimes waiting for Lowe in the offseason is smarter than chasing him in the chaos. In Boston, even the smartest moves occasionally need a little theatrical suspense to keep fans entertained.