The Boston Red Sox received the young infielder from the Nationals on the weekend in return for southpaw. The move, reported in the evening, sends Mead, a 25-year-old player, from the Washington farm system to the club. Mead, marked as a pre emerging talent, batted strongly while racking up dinger count in the highest farm tier this past year, entering his age-25 campaign. The move strengthens Boston's two bag tandem while Washington gains a left-handed starter for its rotation. The Red Sox brass has been active on the deal circuit, seeking to improve depth across the infield. Those in the know say that Mead brings steady contact tool and quiet defense that fit how the club wants to operate its bench. In Washington, adding a left-handed piece addresses a gap the team has been trying to fill for a stretch. Neither side has addressed media on long-term plans for the talents. For today, the focus turns to spring results, where the roster hopefuls will try to win jobs. Outlook: Boston gets youth upside, Washington gets an arm, and the game watches how both pay off.