Boston makes early trade deadline move
The Red Sox have acquired infielder Curtis Mead from the Nationals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early. This move comes as the trade deadline approaches, with teams beginning to make adjustments to their rosters. The Red Sox sought a right-handed bat with power, while the Nationals aimed to bolster their pitching.
Connelly Early, a left-handed pitcher, is currently on the injured list due to elbow inflammation. He had a record of 8-7 with a 3.24 ERA in 21 regular-season starts for Boston. Catcher Carlos Narváez recalled Early’s big league debut in September 2025, where he recorded 11 strikeouts in five scoreless innings against the Athletics. This performance initiated a five-start stretch for Early late in the 2025 season, which included a start in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium. Narváez described Early’s pitching as “electric stuff,” noting his ability to throw at 96 mph, occasionally touching 97 mph, with impressive spin.
The trade was confirmed on social media, though some players, like left-hander Payton Tolle, initially believed the news to be artificial intelligence. Tolle, who had grown close with Early during their time in the minor leagues and in the big leagues, described the news as bittersweet. He expressed that the trade signals the front office’s willingness to make significant moves to improve the team, especially after a recent turnaround in performance. Tolle also spoke with Early shortly after the news broke, wishing him well.
Mead’s impact and team adjustments
Curtis Mead, a right-handed infielder, is in the midst of a breakout season. In 87 games, he has recorded 17 home runs, 48 RBIs, and an OPS of .852. While he primarily played third base for Washington, Mead has experience at all four infield positions in the big leagues. His acquisition is intended to address gaps in run scoring and add a power bat to the Red Sox lineup.
Interim manager Chad Tracy indicated that the current plan is to keep Caleb Durbin at third base and utilize Mead primarily at second base. Durbin, who ranks third among American League third basemen in Outs Above Average, has been in communication with Tracy and expressed his willingness to play wherever needed. Durbin noted that players anticipated a move due to the team’s position to add talent and praised the communication from the team regarding his role.
The trade also reflects confidence in left-handed starter Jake Bennett, who was acquired by the Red Sox in December in another deal with the Nationals. Bennett has established himself as a key player, holding a 2.58 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP in 10 starts. Like Early and Tolle, Bennett has five full seasons of team control remaining. Bennett acknowledged the difficulty of seeing a teammate go but recognized the opportunity it presents for Early.
The addition of Mead is seen as a strong indicator of the Red Sox’s current standing and their commitment to improving the team. Narváez highlighted the positive energy and chemistry within the team, stating that they are ready to welcome Mead. The trade deadline is set for next Monday.
Other early trade deadline activity
Beyond the Red Sox and Nationals deal, other teams have also started making moves as the trade deadline approaches. The Pirates sent right-handed pitcher José Urquidy to the White Sox for right-handed pitcher Felix Doroteo. Doroteo, at 21 years old, has 18 innings of experience in the Arizona Complex League. Urquidy, who was once an unheralded prospect, had recently been designated for assignment by Pittsburgh.
Additional minor transactions include the Royals trading outfielder Kameron Misner to the Phillies for cash, and the Athletics acquiring right-handed pitcher Scott Blewett from the Cardinals, also for cash. These early trades, while not considered blockbusters, mark the beginning of activity leading up to the trade deadline.
In other news, Lance McCullers Jr. was designated for assignment, a notable event given that Milwaukee had traded for him on July 15. This move meant that Jadyn Fielder, who was traded for McCullers Jr., was exchanged for 4 2/3 innings of relief pitching.
Injuries have also impacted potential trade deadline plans for several teams. Cody Bellinger of the Yankees sustained a left hamstring strain, adding to the team’s missing power hitters, which include Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. Bellinger had been a strong offensive and defensive contributor for the Yankees. Juan Soto of the Mets suffered a left calf strain, which, while not affecting trade plans for the last-place team, represents a significant loss of star power. Shea Langeliers of the Athletics sustained a torn meniscus, taking him off the list of potentially available catchers at the trade deadline. Another injury update includes Addison Barger of the Blue Jays, who will miss the remainder of the season after elbow surgery, having not played since May 9.
The Red Sox, with a record of 54-50, secured two wins against the Blue Jays, who are at 48-58. The Blue Jays’ only win in that series came from Dylan Cease’s one-hitter on Saturday.
Source: nytimes.com
