A 2023 World Series Champion is on the move as the Washington Nationals acquire first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports. 

Lowe, 29, hit 16 home runs and had an OPS of .762 for the Rangers during the 2024 season. He also saw his OAA (Outs Above Average) at first base shoot up from 3 to 7 last season. 

The Nationals send relief pitcher Robert Garcia back to Texas in the deal. Garcia pitched to a 4.22 earned run average during the 2024 campaign for the Nationals. The Rangers most likely see the bright spot in Garcia in his FIP, where he had a 2.38 in 2024. The Rangers add him to a bullpen that has already added Hoby Milner and Jacob Webb this off-season. The Rangers were able to trade Lowe because of their trade during the Winter Meetings, where they acquired 1B/3B Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins.

Washington adds to a position of need with the addition of Lowe. The Nationals could be looking to compete in the crowded National League for the first time since 2019, when they won the World Series. With young and emerging stars OF James Wood, SS C.J. Abrams, OF Jacob Young and OF Dylan Crews to go along with veterans Lowe and 2B Luis Garcia Jr., the Nats could be a team to look out for in 2025.

This trade also clears the path for free agent Pete Alonso to return to the New York Mets, with the Mariners and Cubs unlikely to spend any more money this off-season and almost every other contending team having their first baseman set for the 2025 seasn.

FULL TRADE

Nationals Acquire: 1B Nathaniel Lowe

Rangers Acquire: P Robert Garcia