Nathaniel Lowe earns spot on Reds' Opening Day roster

Lowe, a non-roster invitee, makes the team after a difficult month following his mother's passing

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:06am

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Nathaniel Lowe, a veteran first baseman, has made the Cincinnati Reds' 26-man roster for Opening Day after a strong spring training performance. This comes after a difficult period for Lowe, whose mother Wendy passed away a couple of weeks ago after a 33-month battle with cancer. Despite the personal tragedy, Lowe decided to stay in Goodyear, Arizona and continue competing for a spot on the team as a non-roster invitee.

Why it matters

Lowe is an experienced MLB player who has won a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and World Series. His addition to the Reds' roster provides veteran leadership and production to a team looking to take the next step in their rebuild. Lowe's perseverance in the face of personal adversity also serves as an inspiring story for the Reds' young core.

The details

In 21 spring training games, Lowe hit .270 with a .979 OPS, earning a spot on the Reds' 26-man roster. The Reds had a tough decision between Lowe, Rece Hinds, and JJ Bleday for the final roster spot, but Lowe's experience and ability to contribute as a bench bat made him the choice. Lowe has previous experience in a similar role with the Tampa Bay Rays, which should help him transition into this new position with the Reds.

  • Nathaniel Lowe's mother Wendy passed away a couple of weeks ago after a 33-month battle with cancer.
  • On the day that Wendy died, Nathaniel homered, which was the start of him getting into a rhythm this spring.
  • The Reds announced that Nathaniel Lowe would be on the Opening Day roster on Saturday, March 25, 2026.

The players

Nathaniel Lowe

A 30-year-old veteran first baseman who has won a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and World Series. He signed a minor league deal with the Reds after struggling to land a big league contract this offseason.

David Lowe

Nathaniel Lowe's father, who was excited to hear the news that his son made the Reds' Opening Day roster.

Wendy Lowe

Nathaniel Lowe's mother, who passed away a couple of weeks ago after a 33-month battle with cancer.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who praised Lowe's quick assimilation into the team's culture and his ability to handle a bench role.

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What they’re saying

“He was just excited. He expects the best. So do I. It's nice to get back in the flow of things and help this club win.”

— Nathaniel Lowe

“It's been a challenge, but I'm very grateful for being raised around the right people. I feel prepared to take on what life is throwing at me.”

— Nathaniel Lowe

“Really quickly, he assimilated into the culture (here) and was a part of it. It's meaningful. Guys love him. He can handle the role. The last thing you want is a guy sitting on the bench that's tearing down the fabric as opposed to adding.”

— Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights Nathaniel Lowe's resilience and professionalism in the face of personal tragedy, as he earned a spot on the Reds' roster through a strong spring training performance. His veteran leadership and experience will be valuable assets for a Reds team looking to take the next step in their rebuild.