The Washington Nationals are at a crossroads in their rebuild. As the Winter Meetings heat up, the spotlight isn’t just on left-hander MacKenzie Gore.
Quietly, rival clubs have started circling around infielder CJ Abrams. He’s talented, not perfect, but his blend of affordability, team control, and upside makes him one of the most intriguing names on the infield trade market right now.
Nationals Rebuild Shapes Abrams Trade Narrative
The Nationals remain committed to a long-term rebuild under new baseball operations president Paul Toboni. That approach pushes them to explore trade options for several key players, aiming to turn present value into future depth and upside.
Most of the early buzz has centered on MacKenzie Gore. But Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report that teams are now “pushing aggressively” on CJ Abrams too.
Front offices don’t see Abrams as a finished product, but as a cost-controlled, athletic infielder with plenty of room to grow. That’s a tempting profile for a lot of teams.
Why Washington Isn’t Desperate to Move Abrams
Despite all the interest, the Nationals don’t have to move Abrams right away. He’s only 25 and under team control for three more seasons, with a projected salary of just $5.6 million in 2026.
For a club still figuring out its long-term core, that contract situation is a huge plus. It gives Washington the leverage to ask for a big return, and if no one meets the price, they can just keep a productive, affordable player during the next phase of their rebuild.
Defense Raises Questions, Versatility Offers Answers
The biggest question mark for CJ Abrams isn’t his bat or his speed—it’s his glove. Evaluators can’t agree on whether he’s really a championship-level shortstop for the long haul.
He’s struggled at shortstop, especially with footwork and throwing accuracy. That’s led to speculation that he might fit better somewhere else in the infield.
Teams Needing Shortstop Help Could Still Bet on the Upside
Even with those defensive issues, some clubs searching for shortstop help might still see Abrams as a worthwhile gamble. The Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays have the infield infrastructure and coaching to maybe iron out some of his rough edges.
Beyond those two, there’s a bigger group lurking. Teams like the Pirates, Mariners, Red Sox, Tigers, and Cubs could all use an infield upgrade and might view Abrams as a starting-caliber answer or a flexible piece who moves between spots as rosters change.
Offensive Profile: Power, Speed, and Untapped Potential
What really makes CJ Abrams appealing—defense aside—is his offensive game. Over the last two seasons, he’s posted a .252/.315/.433 slash line.
It’s not superstar-level, but it’s solid everyday value. There’s more under the hood, too.
A Three-Win Player at a Bargain Price
In 2025, Abrams put up a three-win season by fWAR. That puts him in the tier of solid regulars, but at a fraction of the cost of free agents who do the same.
He’s not a star yet, but the ingredients are there—improving power, elite speed, and just enough on-base skill to make it all work. For a contender, a player like that can swing a division race. For a rebuilding team, he can be a core piece or the centerpiece in a big trade.
Winter Meetings: The Perfect Stage for an Abrams Deal
As the Winter Meetings get underway, CJ Abrams stands out as one of the most intriguing position-player targets on the market. He brings a lot to the table:
The Nationals face a tricky but straightforward choice. If they trade Abrams now, they could speed up the rebuild with a batch of prospects and young talent.
If they keep him, they hold onto a young, productive infielder who might only get better if his defense settles and his bat improves a bit.
Abrams has gone from a side note to a key piece in Washington’s long-term puzzle. He’s right in the middle of the league’s offseason chess match, and honestly, it’s hard not to wonder what’ll happen next.
Here is the source article for this story: Nationals Drawing Significant Interest In CJ Abrams
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