The Boston Red Sox received infielder from the Washington Nationals on the weekend in return for lefty starter. The deal, initially reported that night, sends Mead, a 25-year-old infielder, from their farm system to the Red Sox. Mead, listed as a notable young player, batted strongly while racking up home runs in Triple-A this past year, entering his age-25 season. The trade solidifies Boston's keystone area while Washington gains a left-handed starter for its rotation. The Red Sox brass has been noisy on the trade market, seeking to boost flexibility across the infield. People close to the talks note that Mead brings a compact swing and steady glove that match how the club wants to run its reserve bench. In Washington, adding a left-handed piece addresses a gap the team has been trying to fill for a stretch. Neither side has addressed media on long-term plans for the players involved. For today, the focus shifts to spring results, where the roster hopefuls will try to break camp. Lookahead: Boston gets room to grow, Washington gets pitching relief, and the game monitors how both pay off.