Reds sign former Rangers star in puzzling follow up to Eugenio Suárez move

According to MLB Network reporter Mark Feinsand, the Cincinnati Reds signed former World Series champion Nathaniel Lowe to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. But after signing Eugenio Suárez to a free-agent deal just last week, the question is, why?

Lowe is coming off a down-year split between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox. Following a four-year stint with the Texas Rangers — one that included a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger — Lowe signed a one-year deal with the Nats last season. He struggled mightily in our nation's capital, and was released last August.

The Red Sox, who were desperate for a first baseman at the time, swooped in and signed Lowe to a major-league deal. Though his numbers improved in Boston, he was designated for assignment by the Red Sox this past offseason and had been lingering on the free agent market until signing with the Reds this week.

The Reds sign Nathaniel Lowe, but just created more roster confusion

Lowe is a first baseman by trade, and at the moment, Cincinnati has four such players — five if you count Christian Encarnacion-Strand — who competing for playing time at that spot during spring training. Suárez, Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer, and Michael Toglia are all expected to get reps at the cold corner this spring.

Before the Reds signed Suárez, this move would've made a ton of sense. Now it just creates more roster confusion. But with Suárez off to the World Baseball Classic next month, CES on the shelf, and Steer likely shagging balls in the outfield all spring, this isn't a bad move. It's just perplexing.

Lowe appeared in 153 games last season, and has been one of the most durable players in the league since 2021. Though he limped through 2025 with a .228/.307/.381 slash line, he's hit .265/.349/.422 over the past five seasons combined.

If the Reds leave camp 100% healthy and everything goes according to plan, the most likely scenario would be outrighting Lowe to Triple-A as insurance and hoping he accepts the assignment. A lot of veterans like Lowe tend to have opt outs in these types of contracts.

Adding Lowe also provides further mentorship for the Reds top prospect. Stewart is already sharing a locker next to Suárez in Goodyear, and will now have a Gold Glove winning first baseman to help show him the ropes. While the infield picture just got more crowded, that's not necessarily a bad thing.