The Red Sox received the young infielder from the Washington Nationals on Saturday in return for lefty starter. The move, reported in the evening, sends Mead, a prospect in his mid-20s infielder, from their farm system to Boston. Mead, marked as a top prospect, slashed strongly while racking up dinger count in the highest farm tier last season, entering his age-25 run. The deal strengthens Boston's two bag tandem while Washington gains a left-handed starter for its pitching ranks. Boston's front office has been active on the trade market, aiming to improve versatility across the diamond. Those in the know flag that Mead brings steady contact tool and steady glove that match how the club wants to handle its reserve bench. For Washington, adding a starter addresses a need the team has been hoping to patch for weeks. Both teams has commented publicly on long-term plans for the players involved. For now, the focus moves to camp showings, where the fresh faces will try to win jobs. Outlook: Boston gets youth upside, Washington gets an arm, and the baseball sphere keeps an eye on how both work out.