When Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas stumbled running out an infield grounder on May 2, he ruptured the patellar tendon in his left knee — a season-ending injury. Right away, the Red Sox turned to a career journeyman infielder who signed a minor-league deal with the team in January.
Abraham Toro, a 2016 fifth-round Houston Astros draft pick, would be playing for his fifth team in seven seasons. But the switch-hitting second baseman who had played only 15 big league games at first base quickly took over from Casas and went on to win the hearts of the Fenway Faithful with a series of important hits, often in key situations.
Respect to Abraham Toro. Man played the right way. Fought really hard and I’m sure he’s having a tough day but if you’re out there Abraham, know you earned my respect for way you competed and went about your business daily with everyone trying to openly ship you. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/r4Dx4a2r2l
— Fenway Park (@JG18128910) August 18, 2025
As a first baseman, Toro wasn’t spectacular, with a minus-5 defensive runs saved, but he at least held his own and didn’t cause any disasters at the important position.
But with the signing of another seven-year veteran first baseman, Nathaniel Lowe, on Monday, Toro appeared to be on his way out of Boston, likely before Boston’s game against the Baltimore Orioles Monday night.
His production had tailed off severely in recent weeks, with on OPS of just .507 in his last 21 games compared to a pre-All-Star break OPS of .739.
The Red Sox reportedly were finalizing a deal Monday with Lowe, who was designated for assignment last week by the Washington Nationals. A career .771 OPS hitter with 105 home runs, including 16 in 119 games this season, Lowe was a 13th-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016.
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He saw limited action over two Tampa Bay seasons before becoming a full-time player with the Texas Rangers for four seasons. The Rangers traded him to Washington last December for southpaw reliever Robert Garcia.
While Lowe has struggled to a mere .665 OPS this season, the 30-year-old’s “down campaign is in line with Toro’s career numbers since 2019, highlighting the talent and upside gap,” wrote Fansided Red Sox correspondent Lior Lampert.
“The former earned Silver Slugger honors in 2022 and a Gold Glove the ensuing season, helping the Texas Rangers win the World Series in 2023,” Lampert continued. “Meanwhile, the latter is on his fifth club in as many years and fitting out rather than in.”
The Nationals will pay what’s left on Lowe’s $10.3 million contract, except for 40 days of MLB league minimum salary that the Red Sox must pay the 6-foot-4, 220-pound left-handed hitter, according to the Talk Nats online news account.
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