Introduction
David Nathaniel Lowe Jr., known professionally as Nathaniel Lowe (formerly Nate Lowe), is a prominent American MLB first baseman currently with the Washington Nationals. This comprehensive piece explores his career arc, Fangraphs analysis, contract details, salary, personal background, trade history, stats, jersey, and Baseball Savant metrics.
1. Early Life & Amateur Career (Wiki Snapshot)
Born on July 7, 1995, in Norfolk, Virginia, Lowe attended Pope High School in Marietta, Georgia. He played college baseball with Mercer University (2014), St. Johns River State College (2015), before transferring to Mississippi State University in 2016, where he earned Second Team All-American honors.
He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 13th round of the 2016 MLB Draft from Mississippi State.
2. Professional Career & Trades
Tampa Bay Rays (2019–2020)
Lowe debuted in the MLB on April 29, 2019, with the Rays. In his rookie season, he posted moderate results, improving in limited action. Wikipedia
Trade to Texas Rangers (December 2020)
On December 10, 2020, the Rays traded Lowe to the Texas Rangers, along with two teammates, for several prospects.
Texas Rangers (2021–2024)
During his time in Texas, Lowe blossomed into a reliable, middle-of-the-order bat:
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In 2021, he slashed .264/.357/.415 with 18 HR and 72 RBI over 157 games.
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In 2022, Lowe had a breakout season, hitting .302/.358/.492 with 27 HR, 76 RBI, and earning the Silver Slugger Award.
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On June 15, 2022, he became the first MLB player to strike out in two immaculate innings in the same game.
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In 2023, Lowe won the Gold Glove Award, played 161 games, and contributed to the Rangers’ World Series championship.
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In 2024, he continued steady production: .265/.361/.401, with 16 HR and 69 RBI.
Trade to Washington Nationals (December 2024)
On December 22, 2024, Lowe was traded to the Washington Nationals for Robert Garcia. His 2025 salary was set at $10.3 million via arbitration.
However, 2025 proved difficult. By mid-August, Lowe slashed .216/.292/.373 in 119 appearances. His performance dipped significantly, and he was designated for assignment (DFA) on August 14, 2025.
3. Stats: Career Overview & Projections
Career Totals (as of mid-August 2025)
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Batting average: .263
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Home runs: 105
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RBIs: 397
Fangraphs & Contract Info
According to Fangraphs:
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2025 contract: 1 year, $10.3 million (arbitration; AAV $10.3M)
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Service time: Approximately 4.145 years FanGraphs Baseball+1
2025 Performance & Projections
In 2025 with Washington:
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Final slash line: .216/.292/.373, 16 HR, 68 RBI in 119 games.
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These metrics underline a worrying decline, including poor wRC+ and WAR.
Fangraphs projections (FGDC, Steamer, ZiPS, etc.) forecast:
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Around .250-.260 AVG, 64-71 RBI, 21-23 HR, and an OPS around .720–.730.
4. Baseball Savant & Fangraphs Insights
Fangraphs noted Lowe’s breakout mechanics in 2022: increased aggression at the plate, higher wRC+ (143), improved contact, and shift in swing/take metrics.
Although not directly quoting Baseball Savant, his 2022 spike in offensive production—particularly in launch angle, pull percentage, contact rate—demonstrated analytical improvements that aligned with performance gains.
5. Personal Life: Wife, Brother & More
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Lowe married his wife, Brenna, during the 2024 offseason.
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His younger brother, Josh Lowe, is also an MLB outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays; they shared time together in the minors.
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Their father, David Lowe, was drafted by the Mariners in 1986 but instead became a Naval Fighter Pilot with two decades of service.
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Professional name switch: He transitioned from “Nate Lowe” to “Nathaniel Lowe” in 2021, honoring his mother’s preference.
6. Jersey & Nickname
While specific jersey numbers aren’t detailed in our sources, Lowe’s professional switch from “Nate” to “Nathaniel” in his public persona is notable—reflecting both respect for family and brand identity.
7. Summary & Outlook
Nathaniel Lowe’s journey from a modest 13th-round draft to All-Star caliber producer exemplifies perseverance and strategic growth. His peak years in Texas showcased MVP-level contributions via plate discipline enhancements and consistent production. The 2025 slump in Washington was a stark setback, culminating in his DFA—prompting speculation of a fresh start back in familiar territory like Texas or a minor league setup.
With his name, stats, and story, Lowe stands as a compelling case study in modern player development, adaptability, and the analytics surrounding baseball success.
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