MLB Trade Deadline: Red Sox send Connelly Early to Nationals for Curtis Mead
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Boston Red Sox traded left-handed pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead, surprising many but addressing each team's needs.
- Early showed promising pitching metrics in 2024 and early 2025 but has seen some regression this season; the Nationals aim to build a young rotation with him alongside Cade Cavalli and potentially Foster Griffin.
- Curtis Mead, a 25-year-old infielder with strong offensive skills and improved power, has been given a regular starting role by the Nationals and could benefit from Fenway Park's hitter-friendly environment.
- Defensive positioning remains a question for Mead, who has struggled at third base but showed better metrics at second base, giving the Red Sox flexibility to use him as a DH or second baseman.
- Overall, the trade appears balanced, with the Nationals acquiring pitching upside and the Red Sox bolstering their offense, aligning well with each team's current roster strategies.
