The Boston Red Sox have acquired third baseman Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals in a trade that sends pitcher Connelly Early to Washington, according to reports. The move comes as Boston strengthens its roster for a playoff push in the American League East.
Mead, 25, has posted an .856 OPS with 17 home runs and 48 RBIs this season, putting him on track for a career-best performance. He previously played for the Rays and spent the end of the 2025 season with the White Sox. His addition to the Red Sox infield could lead to Caleb Durbin shifting to second base, a move Durbin has indicated he is willing to make.
Connelly Early, 24, has recorded a 3.44 ERA across 17 starts this season but has been sidelined since June 30 with left elbow inflammation. The Nationals plan to recall Brady House from Triple-A Rochester to fill Mead's roster spot.
The Red Sox have seen a resurgence this season, climbing the standings and re-entering playoff contention after firing manager Alex Cora earlier in the year. Following a loss on Saturday, Boston held the second wild-card spot in the American League, trailing the first-place Yankees by six games.
The Nationals, who are one game over .500, are in contention for a National League wild-card spot. The acquisition of Early provides them with a young pitching option for their rotation as they pursue a playoff berth.