Baseball
Baseball
Curtis Mead made his debut for the Red Sox on Monday night, starting at second base and batting second against the Athletics in West Sacramento. The infielder was acquired by Boston from the Nationals over the weekend in a one-for-one trade that sent left-handed pitcher Connelly Early to Washington.
Mead, 25, comes to the Red Sox amidst a career-best season, having hit 17 home runs with a .852 OPS in 87 games for the Nationals. He also recorded 17 doubles and 48 RBI, largely playing third base before his Red Sox debut at second. This marks the fourth time Mead has been traded in his young career, but he expressed feeling welcomed by his new team, noting the difference from previous moves.
The Red Sox sought Mead as a right-handed bat to bolster their lineup. His acquisition signals Boston’s intent to contend, especially following a 15-game winning streak that propelled them into the second AL wild card spot. Mead is under team control until 2031.
In exchange, the Red Sox sent 24-year-old Connelly Early to the Nationals. Early, currently on the injured list, posted a 7-5 record with a 3.44 ERA this year and will not be eligible for free agency until 2032.
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