ESP8266 GPIO2 - invert logic NPN transisotr
An N-channel MOSFET would let you have a pull-up that lets it boot, since the gate does not draw current after the original capacitive charge.  The LED would be on a boot but that may not be an issue.

Or you probably don't need the transistor, you could perch a small resistor on two of the transistor pads and use the GPIO to drive the cathode low.  You may need to increase the series resistance to keep the LED current in spec for the  IC.