Connelly Early trade grades. Red Sox, Nationals swap youngsters
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- The Boston Red Sox traded left-hander Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead, a rare trade between playoff-contending teams addressing specific roster needs.
- Boston, struggling with injuries and a weak lineup, acquired Mead for his right-handed bat and versatility, with Mead showing significant improvement this season and controlled under team contract through 2027.
- The Nationals, facing pitching shortages and needing arms, gained Early, a 24-year-old starter with five years of control and recent elbow inflammation but no structural damage, making him a valuable long-term asset.
- Both teams made strategic moves to fill gaps: Boston sought offensive help amid injuries, while Washington added pitching depth, with neither side engaging in a salary dump or purely speculative trade.
- Early's recovery is progressing positively, and Mead's performance, while a career-best, is supported by strong underlying metrics, suggesting both players could be impactful for their new teams.
