The BoSox received infielder from the Nationals on Saturday in exchange for left-handed pitcher. The move, reported in the evening, sends Mead, a 25-year-old player, from Washington's farm system to the Red Sox. Mead, listed as a top prospect, batted strongly while racking up long balls in Triple-A last season, entering his age-25 season. The trade strengthens Boston's keystone area while Washington picks up a left arm for its pitching ranks. The Red Sox brass has been noisy on the deal circuit, aiming to improve flexibility across the carded spots. Those in the know say that Mead brings strong bat and quiet defense that match how Boston wants to run its bench. In Washington, adding a starter addresses a need the team has been hoping to fill for a stretch. Both teams has commented publicly on long-term plans for the swap pieces. For today, the focus shifts to camp showings, where the 24 players will try to win jobs. Lookahead: Boston gets youth upside, Washington gets rotation help, and the baseball sphere watches how both work out.