Guardians biggest trade deadline risk will be on full display in postseason 

Two months ago, the Guardians took a roster-altering swing when they traded for Cincinnati Reds first baseman Nataniel Lowe at the trade deadline 

Although Lowe is just a rental, his addition to the roster came at the expense of Kyle Manzardo, who was once viewed as one of the key pieces of the Guardians’ future. 

The Guardians clearly didn’t like what they were getting out of Manzardo, and decided it was worth it to go after Lowe (who likely won’t be back after this season) than an established presence on the roster with a player who still has four years of team control remaining. 

That decision has largely been a wash so far this season, but it’ll get a true stress test week when the Guardians make their postseason debut — likely with Lowe at first base. 

Nathaniel Lowe is going to need to step up for the Guardians in the postseason

This isn’t the first time the Guardians have overthought their first base situation in the postseason. 

Last year they started Jhonkeny Noel at first base in Game 1 of their Wild Card Series against Tigers starter Tarik Skubal, and Noel rewarded that faith with an 0-for-3 showing at the plate to go along with some subpar defense.

Adding Lowe wasn’t on the same level, but it was just as controversial since it meant that Manzardo was in the lineup as a first baseman as opposed to a designated hitter. Having Lowe on the roster this year means that Manzardo will likely be nowhere to be found in the postseason. 

The Guardians acquired Lowe so that he could fit into the left-handed side of their first base platoon alongside the right-handed hitting Rhys Hoskins, but they played just two weeks together before Hoskins went on the injured list with a back injury. 

David Fry has filled in for Hoskins in the time since, though he’s only recorded 33 at-bats in the past two months. He’s done okay in that time (.736 OPS), but it’s hard to believe he’ll get a ton of playing time in the outfield. 

First base seems to be Lowe and Lowe’s alone. The only problem with that thinking is that he entered the weekend with a .222/.273/.381 slashline in 40 games with the Guardians. He started off hot but has cooled down considerably as of late.

It’s worth noting that Lowe has a plethora of postseason experience, and won a World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023. The lights shouldn’t be too bright for him. 

The Guardians were going to need to make some kind of move in regard to their first base picture in the offseason to make room for rising prospect Ralphy Velazquez, so adding Lowe allowed for them to get a head start on that process. 

This fall will tell us if it was the right decision or not. 

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