The Yankees and the Red Sox may be eternal rivals, but this season they share a common thread. They both walked away from the trade deadline with more questions than answers. For New York, the deadline was supposed to be about bolstering a lineup that has too often gone quiet when it matters most. Instead, they made minor moves that did little to ease concerns about their offensive firepower.
Boston, on the other hand, was expected to add a bat to help carry them through the dog days of summer. Instead, they pivoted to pitching depth, bringing in left-hander Steven Matz and right-hander Dustin May—solid, but hardly the splash fans were waiting for.
Now, with the deadline behind them and the postseason push heating up, both teams find themselves in urgent need of rejuvenation. And in classic Yankees–Red Sox fashion, their paths appear to be colliding once again. The rumors swirling around the league point to a single name—a player who could instantly change the complexion of either roster!
The stakes? Nothing less than momentum, pride, and possibly October itself. Because in a season where both clubs are teetering on the edge, the right addition could be the swing that defines the rivalry all over again. “The Red Sox are expected to pursue 1B Nathaniel Lowe when he clears waivers,” MLB insider Gordo quoted Chris Cotillo.
The Red Sox are expected to pursue 1B Nathaniel Lowe when he clears waivers, according to @ChrisCotillo. pic.twitter.com/Fwj7bbCCG4
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) August 16, 2025
Well, the Nationals announced they’ve requested unconditional release waivers on Nathaniel Lowe. Why? Because his time in Washington hasn’t gone as hoped. Across 490 plate appearances, he’s slashed just .216/.292/.373, while striking out at a career-high 26.5% clip in a full season. Yes, he’s still drawing walks at a 9.6% rate, which is solid but also one of the lowest marks of his career.
However, that said, Lowe isn’t short on interest. Craig Breslow’s Red Sox are among the teams expected to check in, especially since they’ve been patching things together at first base with Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro after losing Triston Casas for the year to a knee injury. So, if Boston brings him in, Lowe would only cost them a prorated league-minimum deal.
Of course, any Red Sox pursuit could set up a head-to-head with the Yankees, who reportedly have their own plans involving the first base market.
Notably, the Yankees have their own first-base problems to deal with. Paul Goldschmidt, former St. Louis Cardinals MVP, is still working his way back from a knee sprain, and there’s no clear timeline for his return. Yes, Cody Bellinger could slide over, but that would leave the outfield thin. Ben Rice is another possibility, but with Austin Wells struggling behind the plate, shifting Rice isn’t exactly ideal either.
And that’s why the Yankees are also considering a run at Nathaniel Lowe to shore up first base. Could it happen? Sure—but not without a battle with the Red Sox first.
It’s now or never for the Yankees
For the Yankees, time isn’t just ticking. It feels like the clock has already struck zero on their margin for error. This August has been unforgiving. After stumbling out of the gate and losing seven of their first nine games, they’ve managed to stabilize slightly, winning three of their last four. Of course, those victories came against teams that waved the white flag at the trade deadline. But the Yankees don’t have the luxury of being picky. So you play the schedule in front of you.
Still, the underlying issue hasn’t gone away. Their lineup is fragile, and no meaningful reinforcements have arrived. Cody Bellinger, once viewed as a potential answer, is now being pursued by the Mets. If they also fail to bring in Nathaniel Lowe, the Yankees’ offensive woes could stretch deep into September. At 65-57, the Yankees already find themselves playing third fiddle in the AL East behind Boston and Toronto.
And one more prolonged skid, and they won’t just slip in the division—they’ll be erased from the Wild Card picture as well.
Hence, the path forward is clear. The Yankees need to urgently restock their lineup if they want to salvage their season. But that mission won’t be easy, because the Red Sox are in the same position. They’re chasing the same names, and just as desperate to patch holes in their roster. That sets the stage for a head-to-head battle, with both rivals fighting not just for Lowe or any other reinforcements, but for survival in a tightening playoff race.
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