White Sox acquire catcher Boston Smith, trade INF Curtis Mead to Nationals

Chicago adds former All-American college slugger in deal with Washington

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals completed a trade on Saturday, with the White Sox acquiring 23-year-old catcher Boston Smith and sending infielder Curtis Mead to the Nationals. Smith was a sixth-round draft pick of the Nationals in 2025 and a consensus second-team All-American at Wright State last season, leading Division I in home runs. Mead, 25, played 41 games for the White Sox in 2025 after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Why it matters

The trade gives the White Sox a promising young catcher with significant power potential to bolster their lineup, while the Nationals add an infielder in Mead who has major league experience. Both teams are looking to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.

The details

In the deal, the White Sox acquired Boston Smith, a 23-year-old catcher who was a sixth-round pick of the Nationals in 2025. Smith had a standout 2025 season at Wright State, batting .330 with 26 home runs, 70 RBIs and 70 runs in 59 games. He tied for the Division I lead in home runs and ranked seventh in slugging percentage (.770). The White Sox sent infielder Curtis Mead, 25, to the Nationals in the trade. Mead hit .240 with no home runs and 11 RBIs in 41 games for the White Sox last season after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays.

  • The trade was completed on Saturday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Boston Smith

A 23-year-old catcher who was a sixth-round draft pick of the Washington Nationals in 2025. He had a standout 2025 season at Wright State, batting .330 with 26 home runs, 70 RBIs and 70 runs.

Curtis Mead

A 25-year-old infielder who played 41 games for the Chicago White Sox in 2025 after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Washington Nationals

The Major League Baseball team that traded catcher Boston Smith to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead.

Chicago White Sox

The Major League Baseball team that acquired catcher Boston Smith from the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to add a young, power-hitting catcher like Boston Smith to our organization. His college production speaks for itself, and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him.”

— Rick Hahn, General Manager, Chicago White Sox

“Curtis Mead is a versatile infielder who will provide us with additional depth and options in the middle of the diamond. We're glad to welcome him to Washington and look forward to seeing what he can do.”

— Mike Rizzo, President of Baseball Operations, Washington Nationals

What’s next

The White Sox will look to develop Boston Smith in their minor league system, with the goal of him eventually becoming their starting catcher. The Nationals will give Curtis Mead an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in spring training.

The takeaway

This trade represents an opportunity for both teams to acquire young talent that fits their respective needs. The White Sox add a promising power-hitting catcher, while the Nationals bring in an experienced infielder to bolster their depth. It's a classic win-win scenario for both organizations as they look to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.