The Texas Rangers made their latest move on Sunday by trading first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to the Washington Nationals for left-handed reliever Robert Garcia. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the news first. With depth at first base and other needs, the Rangers parlayed a suddenly active market at the position into addressing one existing issue, their bullpen. This opens the path for more additions in free agency. The trade, which has been officially announced by both teams, marks the second lefty off-speed savant the Rangers have added in the past several days. They agreed to terms with Hoby Milner on a one-year contract earlier in the week.
Heading to D.C
Nathaniel Lowe will change teams via trade for the second time in his career. Four years ago, the Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed on a six-player swap. Lowe was one of the key pieces. The Rays’ first base depth had left Lowe struggling for playing time in his first two major league seasons, but he immediately found a regular job once the Rangers installed him as their everyday first baseman.
Nathaniel Lowe has played in 615 of a possible 648 regular-season games in his four seasons with the Rangers. He hit .274/.359/.432 with 78 home runs in 2,576 plate appearances.
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New Options at First Base
Despite Lowe’s success, there had been some rumors that the Rangers could be looking to clear some room at first base. The recently acquired Jake Burger figures to get a good chunk of the first base at-bats with Lowe gone. Josh Smith, Justin Foscue, or Ezequiel Duran are also in the running for playing time. This, however, depends on how the Rangers opt to arrange their infield. Josh Jung is slated to be the regular third baseman. Burger, Smith, or Duran could also, however, play third based on matchups.
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