Red Sox pay high price to Nationals to shore up infield

The Boston Red Sox needed to improve the middle of their infield while adding a potential impact bat to the lineup. They may have filled both needs in a trade with the Washington Nationals late Saturday night.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Nationals traded infielder Curtis Mead to the Red Sox. In exchange, pitcher Connelly Early is heading to Washington.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the Phillies, Mead was traded to the Rays during the 2019-20 offseason for pitcher Cristopher Sanchez. Mead was a consensus top-100 prospect in 2023 and 2024, but struggled to live up to expectations in the majors. He posted a disappointing .238/.300/.317 batting line over 488 plate appearances between 2023 and 2025, hitting five homers and 16 doubles.

Red Sox, Nationals improve sore spots with trade

Acquired shortly after Opening Day, Mead broke out for the Nationals. He entered Saturday with a .256/.351/.505 batting line in his 322 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 17 doubles. In addition to providing an impact bat, Mead has spent time at first, second and third during his career, giving the Red Sox a versatile option around the infield.

In exchange, the Red Sox traded a promising young starter in Early. The 24-year-old has posted a 3.44 ERA and a 1.255 WHIP over his 91.2 innings, striking out 93 batters with 34 walks. 

While the Red Sox paid a high price, this trade should help both sides. Mead should slot in at third in Boston, moving infielder Caleb Durbin to second. Meanwhile, the Nationals add a potential building block for a rotation that has continued to rely on the likes of Zack Littell and Miles Mikolas as they look to make their own run to the postseason.