The Red Sox received Curtis Mead from the Washington club on the weekend in return for lefty starter. The move, initially reported that night, sends Mead, a prospect in his mid-20s player, from Washington's farm system to the club. Mead, listed as a pre emerging talent, hit strongly while racking up long balls in the highest farm tier last season, entering his age-25 campaign. The trade strengthens Boston's two bag tandem while Washington picks up a southpaw for its hurlers. Boston's front office has been noisy on the deal circuit, looking to upgrade depth across the diamond. People close to the talks say that Mead brings steady contact tool and steady glove that match how Boston wants to run its reserve bench. On the other side, adding a starter addresses a hole the team has been seeking to close for a stretch. The two clubs has commented publicly on long-term plans for the swap pieces. For now, the focus shifts to camp showings, where the fresh faces will try to break camp. Outlook: Boston gets a young bat, Washington gets pitching relief, and the league watches how both pay off.