ARLINGTON, Texas — On Sunday, the Texas Rangers made a noteworthy trade, sending past Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner Nathaniel Lowe to the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-handed reliever Robert Garcia.
Garcia had a solid performance last season with the Nationals, recording 75 strikeouts alongside just 16 walks across 59 2/3 innings over the course of 72 games.
The decision to part ways with Lowe comes shortly after the Rangers added sluggishing corner infielder Jake Burger from Miami, in a deal that involved three minor league players during the recent winter meetings.
In 2023, Lowe batted .265, notching 16 home runs and 69 RBIs, and he ranked sixth in the American League with 71 walks. He had an impressive .302 batting average in the previous season and was celebrated for his defensive skills, being recognized as a Gold Glove recipient during the Rangers’ championship run in 2023.
On the other side, the Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo has been on the lookout for a first baseman and a solid bat in the lineup, making this trade a significant addition for the team as he aims to bolster the roster this offseason.
Rizzo’s earlier notable move was the signing of pitcher Michael Soroka to a $9 million deal for the 2025 season.
This move comes following a disappointing campaign for Washington, which concluded with a 71-91 record, marking the fifth consecutive losing season since their World Series victory in 2019. Presently, there are no remaining players from that championship roster.
The Rangers had great success in the previous year, claiming the title in 2023, but fell short of the playoffs this season.
Lowe, now 29, becomes eligible for salary arbitration for the first time after earning $7.5 million this past year. Over his career, which has spanned 686 games since his debut with Tampa Bay in 2019, he has maintained a .272 batting average. He was traded to Texas four years ago.
In contrast, the 28-year-old Garcia is under team control until the end of the 2029 season.
His experience includes 97 appearances, all within the last two years, primarily for the Nationals. Garcia briefly played for Miami in 2023 before Washington claimed him off waivers.
The Rangers’ acquisition of Garcia comes just two days after their signing of lefty reliever Hoby Milner to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million. The 34-year-old, who grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has always been a Rangers fan, continues to live in the region.
Additionally, during the winter meetings, Texas secured right-hander Jacob Webb on a $1.25 million deal. Webb had a breakout season with Baltimore, achieving career highs in innings pitched (56 2/3) and strikeouts (58) while recording a 3.02 ERA in 60 appearances. His overall career stats include a 12-10 record, six saves, and a 2.98 ERA across 192 games played.