Red Sox-Nationals' trade hints what creativity Cubs may need before trade deadline

The 2026 trade deadline is a week from Monday, and it was the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals who kicked off the party. The Red Sox have been a common fit for Chicago Cubs fans trying to draw up Matt Shaw trade ideas, but they turned to the Washington Nationals' third baseman Curtis Mead to address their need for offense.

What makes the trade fascinating is that in trading for Mead, the Red Sox gave up 24-year-old starting pitcher Connelly Early. Early is recovering from an elbow injury, but was believed to be one of the better pitching prospects to come through Boston's system in recent years, and is under control through the 2031 season.

Between his potential ceiling and years of control, it's curious that only piece the Red Sox sought from the Nationals was Mead. Mead is a former Tampa Bay Rays prospect, but outside of this season with the Nationals, he's never been able to put it together offensively. In fact, this trade marks the second time in the past year that Meade has been traded.

He's having a strong season, 17 home runs with an OPS+ of 135, but given the track record, it can be considered a reach to give up over five years of control for someone who remains a question mark.

Cubs may need Red Sox level creativity after Nationals trade

From a Cubs' perspective, this is likely final confirmation that the Red Sox won't be sellers at the deadline. Giving up Early only to turn around and trade Sonny Gray and Aroldis Chapman a week later wouldn't make any level of sense.

It also puts Shaw in a curious spot. The Cubs are seeking starting pitchers under control beyond the 2026 season, and it's led to some idea that they may need to get creative in how they find one before the deadline. That wouldn't be accomplished by just trading prospects, but also including a piece like Shaw.

What complicates matters is Shaw's wrist injury. He's not expected back before the deadline, and if the Cubs are trading with another contender, that could be a problem. That said, if the Cubs are trading with a seller, the precedent may have just been set. Shaw could be enough to get back a starting pitcher with control.

Since July 18 last year, including this season, Shaw has a wRC+ of 120 with 15 home runs. Mead, meanwhile, has a wRC+ of 114 with 17 home runs. Mead is under control through the 2030 season, and Shaw is under control through the 2031 season.

Health aside, Shaw remains one of the Cubs' most valuable trade chips, and that ultimately could be how they accomplish their goals at the deadline.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow