Curtis Mead traded to Red Sox, Connelly Early to Nationals

Curtis Mead has been traded from the Washington Nationals to the Boston Red Sox ahead of the MLB trade deadline on August 3. Mead, a 25-year-old third baseman having a breakout season with a.254 batting average and 17 home runs, is expected to find significant playing time with the Red Sox. In exchange, the Nationals acquired 24-year-old pitcher Connelly Early, who had a solid start to the season but is currently sidelined with elbow inflammation. This trade reflects a strategic shift for both teams as they address roster needs with players that have multiple years of control remaining.

• 1:27 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy Baseball Trade Deadline Tracker: Curtis Mead built for Fenway; Connelly Early fills Nationals need