Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 26
Red Sox Land 17-HR Curtis Mead for Connelly Early as Deadline Trading Opens
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 26

Red Sox Land 17-HR Curtis Mead for Connelly Early as Deadline Trading Opens

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 26

Summary

  • Boston made the first major Aug. 3 deadline move Saturday night, adding 25-year-old Curtis Mead to a lineup that ranks 25th in runs scored.
  • Mead has been a breakout bat for Washington’s MLB-best offense, hitting .254/.352/.500 with 17 homers in 87 games while taking over at third base.
  • Washington addressed its biggest weakness by acquiring 24-year-old left-hander Connelly Early, who owns a 3.24 ERA with 122 strikeouts in 111 innings over 21 starts.
  • Early is on the injured list with elbow issues, though doctors reportedly found no structural damage and he recently resumed mound work.
  • Boston dealt from pitching depth after a 15-game winning streak and is still exploring bigger bat additions, while Washington could keep selling with Foster Griffin drawing trade interest.

Insights

Can a low-cost infielder truly ignite Boston's struggling lineup before the looming August trade deadline closes?
How will an injured prospect reshape Washington's postseason dreams while Boston bets on a castoff hitter?
What hidden motives drove a Nationals executive to trade a breakout star for an injured pitcher he previously drafted?