The 25-year-old South Australian has been traded to the Boston Red Sox in one of the first big moves at the MLB trade deadline.
The Washington Nationals sent Curtis Meade to the Red Sox on Sunday in exchange for promising left-handed pitcher Connelly Early, according to multiple reports.
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The Red Sox are one of the biggest teams in baseball and are back in the playoffs after a disappointing start to the season.
They hope Meade will add more depth to their lineup after a breakout season in the US capital.
Curtis Mead #45 of the Washington Nationals rounds third base and scores on an RBI single against the Athletics in the top of the third inning at Sutter Health Park on July 17, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Theron W. Henderson/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Meade was acquired on the cheap ahead of this season after stints with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox.
Exactly four months ago, he was designated for assignment by the White Sox – removed from the MLB roster and sent back to the minor leagues. But Mead was one of the people who significantly improved the 2026 MLB season.
Splitting his time between third and first base, Meade produced very good results with a .256/.351/.505 slash line, including 17 home runs. He only had eight home runs in his three-year career.
One of the best hitters in baseball this year, Mead’s OPS+ of 136 suggests he was 36% better than the league average in 2026.
Curtis Mead #45 of the Washington Nationals hits a home run against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on July 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Thatch/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Meade’s improvement has come as he’s gotten the ball in the air more often in an attempt to hit more home runs into left field, and the Red Sox are hoping he’ll take advantage of the famous “Green Monster” wall in left field at Fenway Park.
Teammate Travis Bazzana is having a fantastic rookie season with the Cleveland Guardians, and the two could now meet in the American League playoffs.
Meade played football in Adelaide as a child but chose baseball over pursuing a career at Woodville-West Torrens.
The MLB Trade Deadline is 6pm Monday 3 August (Tuesday 4 August AEST).