Red Sox Ship Early to Nats for Mead
The Deal: Boston’s front office just flipped lefty Connelly Early to Washington for infielder Curtis Mead. Early’s a 24-year-old southpaw with a 4.20 ERA in 12 starts this year—solid arm, but not untouchable. Mead’s the real get here: a 23-year-old with a .290/.360/.450 slash line at Triple-A, and he’s blocked in D.C. by their stacked infield.
Big Mike’s Take: Look, Mead’s got pop and a glove that plays at second or third. Boston’s middle infield is a mess right now, and this kid could be a long-term fix. Early’s a back-end starter at best, so if this is the return, I’m buying. Nationals might’ve overpaid, but that’s what happens when you’re selling at the deadline.
Keuchel Heads to Oakland on Minor-League Pact
The Signing: Dallas Keuchel’s back in the game, inking a minor-league deal with the A’s. The 38-year-old Cy Young winner last pitched in the bigs with Milwaukee in 2024, posting a 5.40 ERA in 15 starts. Now he’s headed to Triple-A Las Vegas to try and earn another shot.
Big Mike’s Take: Keuchel’s a relic, but he’s not done yet. His sinker still induces ground balls, and the A’s don’t have much to lose. If he can locate his off-speed stuff, he might help a rotation that’s been brutal this year. Don’t expect miracles, but at this price? Worth the gamble. Oakland’s playing the long game—again.