Nats believe trade helps both now and in future
Paul Toboni said he couldn't pass up an opportunity to deal Curtis Mead for Connelly Early, who he expects to pitch for the team in a few weeks
Paul Toboni insists he wasn’t looking to trade Curtis Mead, not after all the 25-year-old had done to impact the Nationals on and off the field in a short four months since joining the organization. But when the Red Sox came calling in recent days, and specifically when they were willing to deal Connelly Early to D.C. in a rare, one-for-one deal, Toboni knew he couldn’t say no.
Five years of control of a promising young left-hander, one who has already made a postseason start? That’s exactly what the Nats want to help realize their long-term vision. And as an added bonus, they fully expect Early to make a real difference in their surprise attempt to make the postseason right now.
“We believe in this team, and we want to give them a shot,” Toboni said this morning. “Connelly, I think, helps with that. Obviously it’s a blow with Curtis leaving. But at the same time, we still have the same trust and belief with Brady (House) coming up and others that will contribute. I think on the whole, it just made sense for us.”
Though they technically sold high on Mead, the Nationals also feel like they bought a major piece to their current and future chances of winning with the acquisition of Early, the 24-year-old left-hander who is currently on the IL but is expected to be ready to join the rotation within a matter of weeks.
