The Boston Red Sox got their trade deadline started early last night, sending Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals for infielder Curtis Mead, a right-handed slugger who’s having a breakout year.
Some media outlets are calling this an overpay by Boston, given that Early had become a fan favorite and proven himself as an MLB pitcher. But this move might actually be better than people think.
Mead was a former top prospect, ranking No. 33 in MLB’s top 100 for the Tampa Bay Rays. He just never really broke out for them.
His time in Tampa Bay wasn’t pretty – .238/.307/.322/.629 with eight doubles, five homers, and 20 RBI in 111 games over two and a half years. The White Sox traded for him at the 2025 deadline, but things didn’t improve much there either. He hit .240/.280/.304/.584 in 41 games with Chicago.
Then something clicked this season.
Mead reworked his hitting mechanics, and now he’s finally living up to that prospect pedigree. He’s slashing .254/.352/.500/.852 with 17 doubles, 17 home runs, and 48 RBI in 87 games.
What makes this even better for Boston is where Mead now ranks on the team. He’s second on the Red Sox in several key categories: 135 wRC+, .352 OBP, .505 SLG, .856 OPS, and those 17 homers.
His swing is built for Fenway. Mead has a heavy pull tendency, which means he should be able to take advantage of the Green Monster for doubles and homers. That gives the Sox two right-handed power threats with him and Willson Contreras.
The Contract Situation
Here’s the thing that makes this trade even more appealing – Mead’s contract situation. The Red Sox have him for several seasons before they even need to think about an extension.
Defensively, he’ll likely slot in at second base, which is his natural position and where he’s most comfortable. The Red Sox have been looking for stability there, so it’s a perfect fit.
Now Boston just needs to figure out how to keep Anthony Seigler in the lineup too, so they can field their best possible offense.
From where I’m sitting, this looks like the kind of buy-low move that could pay off big time if Mead’s breakout is real. Early was solid, but the Sox needed offense more than another arm. Sometimes you’ve got to give up something good to get something you need.
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