
Introduction
David Nathaniel Lowe Jr., known in MLB circles simply as Nathaniel Lowe, has carved out a capable career as a power-hitting first baseman. From his amateur days in Georgia to his breakout with the Texas Rangers and current status with the Washington Nationals—as of mid-August 2025—Lowe’s journey is rich with data, accolades, and family connection. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Fangraphs analytics, Statcast metrics from Baseball Savant, his contract history, personal background including his brother Josh Lowe, and what lies ahead. Whether you’re a sabermetrics enthusiast or a casual fan, you’ll find plenty to sink your teeth into.
1. Career Overview & Background
Born on July 7, 1995, in Norfolk, Virginia, Lowe graduated from Pope High School in Marietta, Georgia. His path included stints at Mercer University (2014), St. Johns River State College (2015), and Mississippi State University (2016), where he earned Louisville Slugger Second Team All-American honors.
Drafted in the 13th round (No. 390 overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016, Lowe debuted in MLB on April 29, 2019. A versatile left-handed hitter (bats left, throws right), he’s listed at 6’4″ and 220 lbs.
2. Performance Insights: Fangraphs & Baseball Savant Metrics
Fangraphs (Advanced Metrics)
Fangraphs tracks Lowe’s offensive and defensive data, illustrating his production and consistency.
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His 2025 splits show a slugging line of .333 OBP, .400 SLG, and 107 wRC+ through the season’s mid-point.
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Comparatively, the 2024 season posted a wRC+ of 121 and a WAR of 2.8, while 2025 shows a significant dip, WAR declining to around 0.4.
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Cumulatively, he’s displayed sustained performance, with overall offensive value declining this season.
Baseball Savant (Statcast Data)
Baseball Savant paints a clear picture of Lowe’s batted-ball profile in 2025:
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Avg Exit Velocity: 89.2 mph (39th percentile)
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Hard-Hit Rate: 40.7% (36th percentile)
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xwOBA: .309 (25th percentile); actual wOBA .293
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Barrel %: 7.4% (35th percentile).
These metrics point to average power and contact quality in 2025, down from his peak seasons.
3. Contract & Salary — What’s on the Table?
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For 2025, Lowe signed a one-year, $10.3 million arbitration award deal; he’s arbitration-eligible again in 2026 and controlled through 2027 free agency.
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He was acquired by the Nationals in December 2024 from the Rangers in exchange for reliever Robert Garcia.
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Despite the high expectations, his performance in D.C. didn’t match prior output, leading to a DFA in mid-August 2025 and release waivers shortly after.
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As of August 18, 2025, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly signing Lowe for a prorated portion of the league minimum, with the Nationals covering most of his salary.
4. Family Ties: The Brother Next to Him
An interesting storyline: Nathaniel’s younger brother, Josh Lowe, currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays. Both brothers share athletic pedigree—Nathaniel’s father was drafted by the Mariners in 1986 but opted for college instead.
Though rarely on the field together in MLB, the Lowe brothers remain one of baseball’s notable sibling duos. Nathaniel Lowe stats.
5. Legacy: Awards & Highlights
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2022: Breakout season—.302/.358/.492 slash, 27 HR, 76 RBI; earned the American League Silver Slugger Award at first base.
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2023: A standout full season—.262/.360/.414, 17 HR, 82 RBI—capped with a World Series championship with Texas and a Gold Glove at first base.
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2024: Maintained consistency—.265/.361/.401 with 16 HR and 69 RBI.
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2025: Regressed to .216/.292/.373 in 119 games, but had bright moments like his first career grand slam (August 13, 2025) and 100th career HR on June 21, 2025.
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Clutch Production: Despite overall struggles, Lowe hit .303 in high-pressure spots—runners in scoring position—and delivered a key double vs. Houston in late July. Nathaniel Lowe stats.
6. What’s Next for Nathaniel Lowe?
With the DFA and subsequent release, Lowe’s future is in limbo—but offers a chance at redemption:
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The Red Sox are finalizing a deal—provided a new setting to revitalize his career.
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Analysts suggest a fresh start could be beneficial; DC’s decline doesn’t define his career trajectory.
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At just 30 years old, Lowe still has runway to adjust, particularly in lower-pressure environments or focus roles. Nathaniel Lowe stats.
7. FanGraph & Savant Summary Table
Metric | 2022 Peak | 2023–24 | 2025 (to date) |
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AVG / OBP / SLG | .302/.358/.492 | ~.265/.360/.415 | .216/.292/.373 |
wRC+ | ~143 | ~118–121 | ~84 |
WAR | — | ~2.7–2.8 | Negative (~–0.8 to 0.4) |
Exit Velocity / Barrel % / Hard-Hit % | Stronger | Consistent | Below average (35–40%) |
Awards | Silver Slugger | Gold Glove, WS Champ | None in 2025 |
8. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are Nathaniel Lowe’s career highlights and awards?
A: Silver Slugger (2022), Gold Glove (2023), World Series champion (2023 with Rangers).
Q2: Where can I find Nathaniel Lowe’s advanced metrics?
A: Fangraphs for splits, wRC+, WAR, and Baseball Savant for Statcast metrics like exit velocity and barrel rate.
Q3: What was his 2025 contract and what happened mid-season?
A: One-year, $10.3M arbitration deal. Struggled at the plate, leading to a DFA and release in August 2025.
Q4: Does he have any siblings in MLB?
A: Yes, younger brother Josh Lowe plays for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Q5: Is he signing with another team now?
A: Reports—as of August 18, 2025—indicate a deal with the Red Sox for a prorated minimum salary. Nationals still cover most of his contract.
Q6: Has his performance dropped drastically this year?
A: Yes. His wRC+ is around 84, WAR is negative, and his batting average and on-base metrics are well below previous seasons.
Conclusion
Nathaniel Lowe’s trajectory is one of highs and recent lows. From amateur standout and consistent MLB performer to a challenging 2025 that led to a mid-season release, the data tells a nuanced story. His advanced metrics show decline, but his history—Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards, plus World Series experience—speaks to his capability.
As he transitions to a new home with the Boston Red Sox, it’s an opportunity for reinvention. Keep an eye on his Statcast numbers and performance in clutch situations; they’ll be the early indicators of a bounceback—or decline to watch.
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