Red Sox DFA Nathaniel Lowe After Trade With Tampa Bay Rays
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Nathaniel Lowe was valuable for the Red Sox in Tristan Casas' absence.
The Boston Red Sox made at least one curious roster decision Tuesday.
The Red Sox parted ways with valuable slugging first baseman Nathaniel Lowe after they traded 25-year-old hard-throwing relief pitcher Luis Guerrero to the Tampa Bay Rays for journeyman infielder Tristan Gray.
Aside from designating Lowe for assignment, the Red Sox also DFA’d reliever Josh Winckowski.
Gray, who will turn 30 on March 22, battled injuries to play 30 major-league games for the Rays after his contract was purchased by the Rays on July 26. He spent 72 games in the Chicago White Sox‘s Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte, mainly playing shortstop.
The Rays’ trade of Gray was aimed at clearing roster room before the MLB Rule 5 Draft on Tuesday. Boston was reportedly unlikely to re-sign Lowe before the non-tender deadline Friday but needed his spot on its 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft.
Trading Luis Guerrero For Tristan Gray Is A Curious Move
Dealing a young and raw flame-throwing reliever — Guerrero averaged 96.5 mph on his fast ball last year — for a four-A infielder a division rival was trying to offload is a choice.
Sure, Guerrero walked more (14) than he struck out (10) in 2025 and had not pitched since June 27 due to an elbow strain that landed him on the 60-day injured list. He was DFA’d on Nov. 6 and had cleared waivers.
But as Red Sox fans on social media were quick to point out, the Kyle Snyder-run Rays tend to thrive at reclamation projects, such as Edwin Uceta who has become better since joining the Rays in 2024.
Plus, Gray is a light-hitting infielder — his career OPS+ is 77 and has just nine walks in 122 major-league plate appearances and a .313 on-base percentage in 808 minor-league games.
The Red Sox are Gray’s sixth major-league team in the past 15 months, and no other team was willing to trade an actual player to acquire his services.
The Red Sox Were Unlikely To Bring Nathaniel Lowe Back Anyway
Lowe was acquired by the Red Sox after he was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals and was a valuable first baseman while filling in for Triston Casas. Casas, of course, was held to just 99 at-bats before he ruptured his patellar tendon and missed the rest of the season.
Lowe had a .790 OPS in 100 at-bats and drove in 16 runs in 34 games. He finished with 18 homers in 153 games split between the Nationals and Red Sox and has won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.
Casas is expected to make a full recovery from his injury, and Lowe is a left-handed hitter like Casas. Lowe could have been insurance for Casas and was arbitration eligible and entering his final season before free agency, and according to Cot’s would have been in line for about $12 million — which is too rich for a platoon situation, since Casas is younger.
This could be a move that begets another move from Boston’s perspective, since it could go Rule 5 Draft shopping or upgrade its first-base position by signing Paul Goldschmidt or Rhys Hoskins — each of whom bats right-handed and could be a better complement to Casas.
After 27–14 Win, Drake Maye Stuns Everyone by Comforting a Devastated Justin Fields on the Sideline
Charlotte, North Carolina — In a commanding Week 11 victory that ended 27–14 in favor of the Carolina Panthers
Justin Fields, Chicago’s embattled quarterback and emotional core of the team, sat alone on the bench with his helmet resting beside him. Despite flashes of brilliance throughout the game, Fields was pressured relentlessly, missing key throws and absorbing multiple hits that stalled Chicago’s comeback attempts. As the clock hit zero, the weight of another tough loss sat heavy across his shoulders.
Teammates drifted toward the tunnel. Fields stayed seated — elbows on his knees, eyes locked on the grass, frustration filling the air around him.
Then Drake Maye walked over.
Fresh off leading the Panthers to an impressive
When Drake reached the Bears’ sideline, he placed a steady hand on Fields’ shoulder.
Justin looked up, eyes tired, disappointment clear on his face.
Maye leaned in, pulled him into a brief, sincere embrace, and spoke softly — just loud enough for Fields to hear.
According to a Bears assistant nearby, Drake told him:
“You’re a fighter, man. Don’t let this game define you. You’ve got too much talent — keep pushing.”
Fields nodded, giving Maye a quiet, appreciative pat on the arm — the kind of moment that only two quarterbacks under immense pressure can fully understand.
Later, in the Bears’ locker room, Justin Fields reflected on the gesture:
“Drake didn’t have to do that. He’s the guy who just beat us. But he still came over. I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
As always, Maye stayed humble about the moment:
“Justin’s a competitor. I’ve watched him battle through a lot. I just wanted him to know one game doesn’t erase who he is.”
Carolina’s 27–14 Week 11 victory energized their season — but it wasn’t the scoreboard that took over social media.
It was Drake Maye crossing the field to comfort a devastated Justin Fields, a moment of rare sportsmanship in a league defined by intensity, pressure, and high stakes.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful play happens long after the game ends.
