Who won Red Sox-Nationals Connelly Early trade? Grades for each team - USA Today

What the report says

USA Today reported that the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals announced a Sunday morning trade sending 24-year-old left-handed starter Connelly Early to Washington for 25-year-old infielder Curtis Mead. The deal comes nine days before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline and is unusual because both clubs are described as postseason hopefuls exchanging major-league players, rather than prospects or rentals.

According to USA Today’s analysis, Boston’s need is offense. The Red Sox entered Sunday at 53-50 and in possession of the second American League wild-card spot, but several key hitters are injured, including Roman Anthony, Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer and Triston Casas. Mead gives Boston a right-handed bat with defensive flexibility at first and third base. USA Today cited his .256 average, .351 on-base percentage, .505 slugging percentage and 17 home runs this season, while also noting concern that his current power production exceeds his longer career track record.

Washington, meanwhile, receives a controllable starting pitcher in Early, who was 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA over 17 starts before leaving a June 30 outing with elbow inflammation. USA Today noted that a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister found no structural damage and that Early recently resumed light mound work. Nationals general manager Paul Toboni previously worked for the Red Sox and oversaw the draft in which Boston selected Early, giving added context to Washington’s interest.

USA Today graded the transaction as a B-minus for Boston and an A-minus for Washington. The analysis framed the swap as a needs-based move: Boston adds an affordable bat under club control, while Washington acquires a young arm with several seasons of control remaining.