The Boston Red Sox are already mapping out their 2027 plans, and infielder Curtis Mead, who barely saw the field for them in 2026, is locked in as their potential full-time second baseman. It’s a bold call from manager Chad Tracy, especially considering how Mead’s season ended and his limited showing with the club.
From Nationals Talent to Red Sox Uncertainty
Remember that in-season move the Red Sox made to grab some extra right-handed pop? They snagged Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals, sending left-hander Connelly Early the other way. Early only made one appearance for the Nats, but Mead’s Red Sox debut was even shorter, if you can believe it. He stepped to the plate just two times before disaster struck: a hit-by-pitch from Athletics right-hander Jack Perkins resulted in a broken wrist, sidelining him for the rest of the regular season. He got activated for the Wild Card Series, replacing Roman Anthony, but manager Chad Tracy never once called his number off the bench. So, yeah, not exactly a huge splash after the trade. Before the trade, Mead put up some solid numbers in 88 games with the Nationals, hitting .253/.353/.498 with 17 home runs and a .851 OPS. That’s real production, no doubt. But for Boston, it was all injury and waiting.
The Big Bet on a 30-Homer Future
Despite Mead’s non-existent impact for Boston in 2026, manager Chad Tracy told reporters, including The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey, that Mead could be their guy at second base in 2027. “He was acquired for a reason. You see the numbers that kind of project at least toward a 30-home run season. And adding that, we were really excited about that,” Tracy explained to Healey. This is a massive projection for a guy who, before 2026, combined for just four homers across 152 games with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox. Seriously, the White Sox even designated the 25-year-old for assignment at the end of spring training before this season. Now, Boston is talking about him being a full-time starter with 30-homer potential? The confidence is clearly there from the Red Sox front office and coaching staff. They’re all-in, believing Mead will have a strong shot at winning the second base job next year.
It’s a huge vote of confidence for Curtis Mead, who needs to put that wrist injury behind him and prove he’s the player the Red Sox are dreaming about for 2027. All eyes will be on him to see if he can deliver on that 30-homer promise and solidify the Red Sox’s middle infield.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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