The Boston Red Sox received infielder from the Washington club on Saturday in exchange for left-handed pitcher. The trade, reported in the evening, sends Mead, a prospect in his mid-20s prospect, from their farm system to Boston. Mead, marked as a top prospect, batted strongly while racking up dinger count in top minor league level this past year, entering his age-25 campaign. The deal strengthens Boston's keystone area while Washington gains a left-handed starter for its pitching ranks. Red Sox management has been active on the trade market, looking to boost versatility across the diamond. Sources say that Mead brings a compact swing and quiet defense that match how the club wants to handle its bench. On the other side, adding a rotation arm addresses a hole the team has been seeking to patch for weeks. Neither side has commented publicly on long-term plans for the talents. For immediately, the focus shifts to how the numbers read, where the 24 players will try to break camp. Takeaway: Boston gets a young bat, Washington gets rotation help, and the league watches how both work out.