The Red Sox received the young infielder from the Washington Nationals on Saturday in exchange for left-handed pitcher. The trade, first reported in the evening, sends Mead, a prospect in his mid-20s prospect, from the Washington farm system to Boston. Mead, noted as a top prospect, batted strongly while racking up home runs in top minor league level this past year, entering his age-25 season. The deal bolsters Boston's middle-infield depth while Washington gains a left arm for its rotation. Boston's front office has been noisy on the swap scene, looking to boost flexibility across the carded spots. Sources flag that Mead brings steady contact tool and quiet defense that fit how the club wants to handle its backup crew. For Washington, adding a left-handed piece addresses a need the team has been trying to fill for a stretch. Both teams has spoken on record on bigger picture ideas for the players involved. For immediately, the focus turns to spring results, where the 24 players will try to win jobs. Takeaway: Boston gets a young bat, Washington gets rotation help, and the baseball sphere monitors how both work out.