The Red Sox received the young infielder from the Washington club on the weekend in return for lefty starter. The move, reported that night, sends Mead, a 25-year-old player, from the Washington farm system to the Red Sox. Mead, noted as a top prospect, batted strongly while racking up dinger count in the highest farm tier recently, entering his age-25 campaign. The deal strengthens Boston's middle-infield depth while Washington gains a southpaw for its rotation. The Red Sox brass has been active on the swap scene, seeking to improve depth across the infield. Sources flag that Mead brings steady contact tool and quiet defense that fit how the club wants to handle its reserve bench. In Washington, adding a left-handed piece addresses a gap the team has been trying to patch for weeks. The two clubs has spoken on record on bigger picture ideas for the swap pieces. For now, the focus turns to spring results, where the fresh faces will try to win jobs. Outlook: Boston gets room to grow, Washington gets pitching relief, and the baseball sphere watches how both pay off.