Red Sox land Curtis Mead in trade sending Connelly Early to Nationals
Boston acquired Curtis Mead from Washington for Connelly Early as MLB’s Aug. 3 trade deadline nears, ESPN reported.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Curtis Mead trade gives the Boston Red Sox a right-handed bat for a lineup that has lagged behind its pitching, while the Washington Nationals get young left-hander Connelly Early, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported.
Boston and Washington completed the swap Saturday night, according to ESPN, making it the first major move as the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline approaches. The Red Sox acquired Mead, a 25-year-old infielder, and sent Early, a 24-year-old starter, to the Nationals.
ESPN reported that Boston viewed Mead as a hard-to-find type of hitter: a right-handed bat with impact upside. The Red Sox have been carried by pitching during a 15-game winning streak, while their offense entered the deal ranked 25th in MLB in runs scored, according to ESPN.
Why did the Red Sox trade for Curtis Mead?
Mead gives Boston a hitter who can fit in multiple spots and potentially add pop in the middle of the order. ESPN reported that Mead has played first base, second base, third base and designated hitter this season, leaving his exact Red Sox role still to be settled.
With Washington, Mead hit .254 with a .352 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage, adding 17 home runs in 87 games, according to ESPN. He had taken over as the Nationals’ regular third baseman after arriving in a late-spring deal following the Chicago White Sox designating him for assignment.
That turnaround made the return notable for Washington. ESPN framed the Nationals’ move as turning a player acquired after a DFA into Early, a starter with early-career success and years of value ahead.
What are the Nationals getting in Connelly Early?
Early brings Washington a left-handed starter with a mid-90s fastball and a five-pitch mix, according to ESPN. Through 111 major league innings, he has a 3.24 ERA with 122 strikeouts, 38 walks and 15 home runs allowed.
Early is on the injured list because of elbow trouble, ESPN reported, though doctors do not believe he has structural damage. He threw one inning off a mound this week and is expected to keep building back in the coming weeks, according to the report.
Washington’s interest fits a clear need. ESPN reported that the Nationals have had MLB’s best offense, but they have hovered around .500 because of a shortage of pitching.
Boston, meanwhile, dealt from an area where ESPN said it had depth. Since Early’s last start on June 30, the Red Sox have received strong work from Sonny Gray and rookie Jake Bennett, while Ranger Suarez and Patrick Sandoval returned from injury. ESPN also pointed to Payton Tolle, plus a bullpen led by Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock.
ESPN reported that Boston had discussed Early in trades during the winter and had talked with multiple teams before sending him to Washington. Sources told ESPN the Red Sox are not expected to be finished, with the club still considering bigger moves for another bat.
The Nationals may have more deadline business coming as well. ESPN reported that other teams expect Washington to trade All-Star left-hander Foster Griffin, described in the report as one of the top rental arms available.
Washington has listened on shortstop CJ Abrams, but sources told ESPN he is not viewed as especially likely to be moved. ESPN reported that the asking prices remain high for controlled shortstops including Abrams, Houston’s Jeremy Pena and Los Angeles’ Zach Neto.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.