Nationals acquire utility player Curtis Mead from White Sox

Washington sends catcher Boston Smith to Chicago in the trade

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:53am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with the figure broken down into overlapping planes of bright, vibrant colors.The Nationals' acquisition of utility player Curtis Mead from the White Sox injects new energy and versatility into their roster.Chicago Today

The Washington Nationals have acquired utility player Curtis Mead from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for catcher Boston Smith. Mead, a 25-year-old Australian, has played parts of three seasons in the majors, batting .238 with 5 home runs and 31 RBIs in 152 career games. The 23-year-old Smith was a 6th round draft pick by the Nationals in 2025 but has not yet appeared in a minor league game.

Why it matters

This trade provides the Nationals with additional infield and outfield depth by adding the versatile Mead, who has experience at multiple positions. For the White Sox, the deal clears a roster spot and brings in a young catching prospect in Smith.

The details

Mead, who was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Wednesday, was originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an international free agent in 2018. In parts of three MLB seasons, he has hit .238 with 5 home runs and 31 RBIs. Last year, he split time between Tampa Bay and Chicago, batting .233 with 3 home runs and 19 RBIs in 90 total games. To make room on their roster, the Nationals designated left-handed pitcher Jake Eder for assignment.

  • The trade was completed on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • Mead was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Wednesday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Curtis Mead

A 25-year-old utility player who was acquired by the Washington Nationals from the Chicago White Sox. Mead has played parts of three MLB seasons, batting .238 with 5 home runs and 31 RBIs.

Boston Smith

A 23-year-old catcher who was traded from the Nationals to the White Sox in the deal for Curtis Mead. Smith was selected by the Nationals in the 6th round of the 2025 MLB draft but has not yet appeared in a minor league game.

Jake Eder

A left-handed pitcher who was designated for assignment by the Nationals to make room on their roster for the acquisition of Curtis Mead.

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What they’re saying

“This trade provides us with a versatile player who can contribute in a number of ways. Curtis has shown the ability to play multiple positions at the major league level, and we're excited to add that kind of flexibility to our roster.”

— Mike Rizzo, General Manager, Washington Nationals

What’s next

The White Sox will assign Boston Smith to their Arizona Complex League affiliate to begin his professional career.

The takeaway

This trade represents a low-risk, high-upside move for both teams, with the Nationals adding a versatile major league-ready player in Mead and the White Sox acquiring a young catching prospect in Smith. It's the kind of deal that can pay dividends for both clubs down the road.