The Boston Red Sox received infielder from the Nationals on the weekend in exchange for left-handed pitcher. The move, first reported in the evening, sends Mead, a prospect in his mid-20s prospect, from Washington's farm system to the club. Mead, marked as a pre emerging talent, hit strongly while racking up dinger count in the highest farm tier recently, entering his age-25 season. The move bolsters Boston's middle-infield depth while Washington picks up a left-handed starter for its pitching ranks. Boston's front office has been noisy on the trade market, seeking to boost flexibility across the carded spots. People close to the talks say that Mead brings a compact swing and steady glove that match how the club wants to run its backup crew. For Washington, adding a rotation arm addresses a gap the team has been trying to fill for a stretch. The two clubs has addressed media on future fit for the talents. For immediately, the focus turns to how the numbers read, where the 24 players will try to earn spots. Takeaway: Boston gets a young bat, Washington gets an arm, and the league monitors how both work out.