Red Sox, Nationals Make Surprise Trade, Full Details on Mead, Early Deal Revealed in New MLB Rumors

The Boston Red Sox reportedly acquired third baseman Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals on Saturday night for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Mead, 25, is having a breakout season, hitting .254 with 17 homers, 48 RBI, 49 runs and an .852 OPS in 87 games. Before the 2026 campaign he'd hit five homers in parts of three seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox.

Mead's addition is just the opening salvo for a suddenly surging Boston team—per Passan, "The Red Sox are not expected to stop with this deal, either, continuing to consider larger deals for another bat, sources said."

Rumors have also linked the Red Sox to Washington shortstop C.J. Abrams, which would be an even bigger splash than the Mead deal were it to come to fruition, though whether Washington is willing to deal him is another matter entirely.

As Passan noted, "While Washington has shown a willingness to listen on shortstop Abrams, he is not seen as particularly likely to go, especially with the Nationals far exceeding expectations going into the season, sources said. The terms to acquire the under-control shortstops—Abrams, Houston's Jeremy Peña and the Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto—remain high, but even teams with shortstops already are considering pursuits for them, sources said."

But Mead will provide some power in the middle of Boston's lineup and defensive versatility, having already played at first, second and third base this season alongside designated hitter.

Giving up Early wasn't a small cost. Before going on the injured list on July 1 with left elbow inflammation, the 24-year-old was 7-5 across 17 starts with a 3.44, 1.25 WHIP and 93 strikeouts in 91.2 innings.

"Early is currently on the injured list with elbow issues, but doctors do not believe there is structural damage. Although arms of Early's ilk rarely get dealt so early in their careers, Boston regards Mead as an increasingly rare commodity: a right-handed bat with impact potential," reported Passan.

Boston has solid rotation options in Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, Jake Bennett, Patrick Sandoval and Payton Tolle, allowing them to move on from Early to bolster the offense.