The Red Sox received the young infielder from the Nationals on the weekend in exchange for lefty starter. The trade, initially reported that night, sends Mead, young player, from the Washington farm system to Boston. Mead, listed as a top prospect, slashed strongly while racking up long balls in top minor league level last season, entering his age-25 campaign. The move strengthens Boston's two bag tandem while Washington picks up a left-handed starter for its hurlers. Boston's front office has been busy on the deal circuit, looking to improve depth across the carded spots. People close to the talks say that Mead brings steady contact tool and quiet defense that fit how the club wants to handle its bench. On the other side, adding a left-handed piece addresses a hole the team has been trying to patch for a stretch. Neither side has commented publicly on future fit for the swap pieces. For today, the focus moves to camp showings, where the roster hopefuls will try to break camp. Takeaway: Boston gets youth upside, Washington gets an arm, and the league monitors how both develop.