Red Sox Reportedly Eye Nathaniel Lowe Contract After 1B's Release From Nationals

The Boston Red Sox reportedly are expected to target some infield help ahead of the postseason.

Per Mass Live's Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox are eyeing first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who the Washington Nationals designated for assignment earlier this week.

According to Cotillo, Lowe is in the process of being unconditionally released and should be a free agent within the next 48 hours.

Lowe was traded to the Nationals from the Texas Rangers this offseason and has struggled a bit during his time in Washington. He's hit just .216 with 16 homers, 68 RBIs, a .665 OPS and a 26.5 percent strikeout rate in 119 games.

Despite having a down year, Lowe could be a hot commodity on the free agent market as contenders look to add infield help. Cotillo noted that the Nationals will pay Lowe the remainder of his $10.3 million no matter where he signs, so money won't be much of a factor for teams pursuing him.

The Red Sox have used Abraham Toro at first base since Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in May. Toro played well earlier in the year but has struggled as of late with a .199 batting average and a .562 OPS over his last 50 games, according to Cotillo.

The Red Sox also have Kristian Campbell, who is currently in Triple-A, as an option, though manager Alex Cora said he still has "work to do" before being promoted, per Cotillo.

Boston is currently holding onto the second wild card seed at 67-56 and is 5.5 games back from the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. The Red Sox are more than capable of reaching the postseason, but adding a talented first baseman like Lowe could be the difference in making a deep run and facing an early exit.