​The first trade is officially in for the Washington Nationals ahead of the trade deadline, this time to a familiar franchise.The Nationals are sending third baseman Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for starting left handed pitcher Connelly Early. This marks the second trade between the two teams since Paul Toboni departed the Red Sox to become the new president of baseball operations for the Nationals after the Nationals sent Jake Bennett to Boston in exchange for right handed pitcher Luis Perales back in mid-December.Mead was one of a handful of players who was viewed as a potential trade deadline candidate as the infielder has been off to a career year in his lone season in Washington. In 87 games, Mead has recorded 17 home runs and 48 RBIs — both comfortably career-highs — while hitting .254. Mead also owns 72 hits and 17 doubles so far this season where he’s been a key part of the offense. Mead arrived in Washington after being traded from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for catching prospect Boston Smith back in late March.To make room for Mead on the roster, the Nationals are expected to recall Brady House for Sunday’s finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After appearing in over 70 games in 2025, House has recorded seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 44 games with the Nationals in 2026.Yet on a roster with other potential replacements, the front office turned in on the chance to add an attractive option to bolster the rotation, the biggest need for Washington ahead of the deadline.Early, a 24 year old left hander who was a fifth round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, arrives in Washington with a 7-5 overall record with 15 home runs and 81 hits allowed to 93 strikeouts in 91.2 innings and 17 appearances. The Virginia native was also acquired by the Red Sox during Toboni’s tenure with the organization, while he remains on club control through 2031.The newest addition to the rotation also arrives allowing two earned runs or fewer in five of his last seven starts while owning a 3.44 ERA this season. This marks his first full season in the MLB after beginning the 2025 season in Double-A then being promoted to Triple A. Early began the 2026 season on the Red Sox’ Opening Day lineup where he now becomes part of a young core in the Nationals’ organization.Head over to the Nationals Roundtable page and hit the “Join” button under the featured story… it’s completely FREE! You’ll have the opportunity to engage with other Nationals fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you’re asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app… that’s free too.