Red Sox & Nationals Swap Exciting Young Major Leaguers in Surprising Trade
BREAKING: The Boston Red Sox are trading left-hander Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals for infielder Curtis Mead, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 26, 2026
The 24-year-old Early is having a terrific rookie season, and is a great addition for the Nationals who were looking to bolster their pitching staff. He has a 3.44 ERA and a 93:34 K/BB ratio. He has been out since early July with elbow inflammation. But the Nats fully expect Early to pitch for them this season, though there is no exact timeline.
Mead, 25, was actually DFA'd back in March, but after being picked up by the Nats has been sensational, one of the best young hitters in the league. With 17 homers and 48 RBIs, he's slugging .500, with an .852 OPS and a 135 OPS+. He can play firts, second or third base. He fills the BoSox need for a right-handed hitting infielder, and in fact, he could immediately be the Red Sox’s second-best hitter.
More to come...
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