Nats trade Mead to Boston for Early in first deadline deal

Paul Toboni simultaneously bought and sold in sending popular third baseman Curtis Mead to the Red Sox for left-hander Connelly Early

The Nationals pulled off the first of what could be several trade deadline deals late Saturday night, one that certainly qualifies as both a buy and a sell for a team trying to make a surprise playoff push while still emphasizing a long-term vision.

The Nats sent corner infielder Curtis Mead to the Red Sox for left-hander Connelly Early, swapping a key member of their lineup for a highly touted starting pitcher who has already enjoyed success in the majors and is under club control through 2031.

Mead blossomed into an unexpected offensive contributor since his acquisition from the White Sox shortly after Opening Day, blasting 17 homers with 48 RBI and an .852 OPS while becoming the team’s primary third baseman. A favorite of manager Blake Butera (who previously managed him in the Rays’ minor-league system), the 25-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season after landing with his third organization since last summer.

But with an uncertain future in D.C. – former first-round pick Brady House is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Rochester and get another opportunity to win the starting third base job – Mead became an attractive trade chip for president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, who wound up turning him into a promising young lefty who could be part of the team’s rotation for years to come.