Nathaniel Lowe's rise could turn into Reds long-term win

For the Cincinnati Reds, the plan was for Eugenio Suarez to add some much-needed pop to the lineup. So far, Geno hadn't quite come through in that regard, posting an 82 wRC+ before being placed on the IL with a strained oblique late last week. While that's disappointing on multiple levels, it clears the way for a red-hot Cincinnati slugger to get some real run.

It was confusing when the Reds signed Nathaniel Lowe to a minor-league deal back in February. He wasn't coming off a particularly impressive 2025 campaign, hence the minor league contract. But more importantly, it was difficult to see how he could possibly fit in Cincinnati's crowded corner infield mix.

So far, Terry Francona has been able to do enough shuffling to get Lowe semi-regular playing time. He's played 17 games and logged 48 plate appearances, posting an impressive .265/.333/.605 line with four homers so far. He's also come through big time in some clutch moments, like his two-run walk-off shot on April 24 against future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen.

Having another lefty-bat with thump who can come off the bench has given Tito a huge weapon to mix and match, but now with Suarez down, Lowe's poised to get a lot more run. All of a sudden, the signing doesn't just make sense; it makes Lowe seem vital.

Could Nathaniel Lowe go from Reds' depth signing to long-term need?

Lowe is part of a larger strategy to build depth by the Reds. He's been a contributor alongside Dane Myers and now the newly called-up JJ Bleday, all of whom were low-cost additions who have filled vital roles during the early-going.

But Lowe could prove to be more than just a depth piece. Getting inserted into the lineup every day this past weekend set him off, and it makes sense that a player who has long been a starter would fare even better while playing every day.

The minor league free agent label doesn't truly do Lowe justice. He's a World Series champion who also has both a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove on his résumé. As bad as he was with the Washington Nationals last season, he rebounded with a .280/.370/.420 line down the stretch once he got picked up by the Boston Red Sox. For his career, he owns a 118 wRC+.

Obliques are pesky injuries, and it could have Geno laid up for a while. That should give Lowe ample time to get rolling, and if he does, it will pose an interesting question for the future.

Suarez has a $16 million mutual option for 2027, and if Lowe capitalizes on his absence, perhaps he could prove to be a better (or at least equal) option to man the DH role in 2027 and beyond, but at a lower price tag. Every dollar counts for the Reds, so Lowe proving to be a piece for the future would be huge.

One step at a time. Lowe has to continue to produce, especially with a larger workload. But this should have the wheels turning for Nick Krall, and it might make sense for the Reds to approach Lowe with an extension sooner rather than later. Waiting might only prove to be more costly.

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