The Boston Red Sox acquired infielder Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early in a one-for-one trade to begin deadline-season moves. Mead, 25, has hit .254/.352/.500 with 17 home runs and 48 RBIs in 87 games and has become Washington’s full-time third baseman, providing a right-handed power bat Boston seeks for a postseason push. Early, 24, owns a 3.44 ERA through 17 starts but is on the injured list with left elbow inflammation, adding risk to a rotation that needs depth. With the August 3 trade deadline looming, the deal signals both clubs’ willingness to buy for today while balancing longer-term goals. Analysts view the move as Washington strengthening its controllable pitching and Boston getting a high-upside fit for its lineup, provided Mead’s breakout continues. This swap is poised to set the market on deadline day, highlighting offense as a valued asset in the near-term market.