Early to boost Nats rotation as trade season heats up
Jul 26 2026
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Washington Nationals
NEWS: Washington acquired LHP Connelly Early from the Red Sox for IF Curtis Mead.
IMPACT: High
BHQ SPIN: The 53-52 Nats, two games out of a Wild Card spot, attempt to address starting pitching deficiency for both the short and long term in swapping Mead for Early. The caveat, of course, is that Early is currently on the IL recovering from left elbow inflammation, though he threw a bullpen this weekend and could be MLB-ready soon. When healthy, he’s an immediate upgrade and is under team control until 2031. Mead had been a huge success story for the Nats, earning his way into the bulk of the 3B job after being DFA’d by the White Sox early in the season. His departure paves the way for 3B Brady...
Almost!
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