Red Sox acquire Curtis Mead as Nationals receive pitcher Connelly Early in trade

Boston sent left-hander Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead, a transaction announced on Sunday. Both clubs, still in contention, view the deal as a way to address specific roster needs—Boston for hitting and Washington for pitching.

The Red Sox, sitting 53-50 and holding the second American League wild-card spot, have struggled with injuries to key hitters, including Roman Anthony, Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer and Triston Casas. Their lineup ranks near the bottom of the league in home runs. Mead, a 25-year-old right-handed batter, posted a .256 average, .351 on-base percentage and .505 slugging percentage this season, with 17 home runs in 41 games for the White Sox. He can play first and third base and is eligible to serve as a designated hitter, giving Boston flexibility. Mead is under team control through the 2027 season, making him a long-term asset.

Washington, at 53-52 and third in the National League East, added Early, who was 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA in 17 starts before missing his June 30 outing due to elbow inflammation. The 24-year-old left-hander remains under team control for five more seasons and will not be eligible for arbitration until the 2028-29 offseason. Nationals general manager Paul Toboni, who previously worked for Boston, said the acquisition aligns with the club’s need for additional arms.

"Early is controllable for five more seasons and we have confidence in his health after a second medical opinion found no structural issues," Toboni said.

Analysts graded the trade B-minus for Boston and A-minus for Washington, noting that while the move does not involve high salaries, each side gains a player that addresses a gap not filled internally.