White Sox Turn Tough Roster Decision Into A Savy Move
The White Sox made a shocking move when they DFA’d Curtis Mead before Opening Day, as many expected him to make the roster. Surprisingly, the White Sox opted for six outfielders on the roster, which unfortunately left no room for Mead. With Mead’s former prospect status, it was likely that other teams would be interested in him via trade or a waiver claim.
That was exactly the case, as today the White Sox announced that they have traded Curtis Mead to the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league catcher Boston Smith.
The Chicago White Sox have acquired minor-league catcher Boston Smith from the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 28, 2026
After getting DFA’d, the most likely scenario for Mead was getting traded, as if a team wanted Mead on their team, trading for him was the only way to ensure that. If they waited for the waiver period, another team could swoop in and take him from them.
While it was unclear what the White Sox could get in return for Mead, as they didn’t have much leverage in a trade, they got a very interesting prospect back in Smith, a 2025 6th round draft pick.
Smith played his college baseball at Wright State, where he was a very productive player for four seasons.
Boston Smith (@crosscutters) announced his presence with a home run in his debut, finishing the 1st-Half with 3⃣ which was good for a share of second in the #MLBDraftLeague.
The @WSURaidergang alum was selected by the @Nationals 6th-round pick this past summer. pic.twitter.com/bZOl0ZjeTB
— MLB Draft League Data (@draftleaguedata) January 27, 2026
Last year as a senior, Smith hit .330 with an excellent .498 OBP. He hit 26 homeruns, had 70 RBIs, stole 16 bases, and walked 57 times to just 52 strikeouts. This is an absolutely elite season from the plate and part of the reason why he was taken in the 6th round.
Overall in his college career, Smith hit .289 with a .418 OBP, adding 52 homeruns with 158 RBIs over four seasons. This is a very solid career and he looks like he could be a very interesting piece in the White Sox organization.
Smith didn’t get into any minor league action with the Nationals organization last season, but he should open up the year with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers or the Winston-Salem Dash. He could move quickly through the minor leagues as a four year college bat, so don’t be surprised if he ends up in Birmingham by the end of the year.
I would have liked to have kept Mead on the team, but clearly Chris Getz and the White Sox thought differently. Mead could still be a very good MLB player, but with all things considered, the White Sox got very good value in this deal.