The Boston Red Sox are sending rookie left-handed pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in return for infielder Curtis Mead, multiple reports indicated Saturday evening.
Boston has been searching for reinforcement at shortstop as the August 3 trade deadline approaches. The Red Sox had reportedly shown interest in Mead’s Nationals teammate, All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams. The need at that position stems from Trevor Story’s absence — he has been out since May 14 and has appeared in only 41 games this season due to a sports hernia.
Early, who is 24 years old, last took the mound on June 30 before landing on the injured list July 1 with inflammation in his left elbow. The starting pitcher is anticipated to be back in action sometime in August.
Boston originally selected Early in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft from the University of Virginia.
In the current season, Early has posted a 7-5 record with a 3.44 ERA across 17 starts, covering 91 2/3 innings with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks. During his brief major league debut last season, he went 1-2 with a 2.33 ERA over four starts and 19 1/3 innings.
Mead, a 25-year-old Australian native, is hitting .254 this season with a .352 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage. In Saturday’s 5-3 Washington home victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, he went 0-for-3 while drawing two walks and scoring one run while playing third base. On the season, he has clubbed 17 home runs and driven in 48 runs over 87 games.
A versatile player, Mead has seen time at first base, second base, third base, and designated hitter this year. Over his career spanning 239 games with the Tampa Bay Rays (2023-25), Chicago White Sox (2025), and Nationals (2026), he carries a .244 batting average with 22 home runs and 79 RBIs.
Mead originally signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018. He was dealt to the Rays in November 2019 in exchange for left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, who earned a selection to his second All-Star Game this season.
