The Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals completed a 1-for-1 trade, sending left-hander Connelly Early to Washington for third baseman Curtis Mead ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Mead is coming off a breakout season with 17 home runs and strong on-base plus slugging, and has versatility across infield spots, with Boston reportedly considering moving Caleb Durbin to second base to fit Mead. Early owns a 3.44 ERA over 17 starts but remains on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation and could bolster Washington’s rotation once healthy. Boston traded from pitching depth to add a bat, reflecting an offensive-focused move during a season highlighted by a 15-game win streak. The trade is described as the first major move under Red Sox president of baseball operations Craig Breslow, underscoring the strategic gamble of prioritizing offense at the deadline. Both teams aim to address immediate needs while weighing Mead’s positional fit and Early’s recovery timeline.