"Gore's been all over the rumor mill in recent weeks, but the status of Abrams's market is news. He's long been a speculative trade candidate (even landing on MLBTR's Top 40 Trade Candidates list last month) but has received much less buzz than Gore to this point in the winter. Some of that is because it would be easier for the Nationals to hold onto Abrams."
"The 25-year-old is under team control for three seasons and is projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a salary of just $5.6MM in 2026. That leaves the Nationals with minimal pressure to trade him this winter, as he'd still be one of the most controllable and affordable players available if held until the summer or even next offseason. With that said, Abrams's longer-term control and low price tag make him a player who would be fairly easy to fit onto virtually any club"
"Abrams plays shortstop in D.C. but has received poor grades from defensive metrics for his work there, suggesting that a move elsewhere on the dirt could behoove him. Teams like the Braves and Rays are known to be seeking help at shortstop, however, and in a thin market with few options beyond Bo Bichette and Ha-Seong Kim adding someone like Abrams despite defensive misgivings could make sense."
Paul Toboni's roster overhaul has produced trade interest in multiple Nationals players, including lefty MacKenzie Gore and infielder CJ Abrams. Abrams is under club control for three more seasons and projects to earn about $5.6MM in 2026, reducing urgency to trade him this winter. His controllability and low cost make him an easily accommodatable piece for many contenders. Defensive metrics grade his work at shortstop poorly, so a position change to second or third could improve his value. Contending clubs with shortstop needs such as the Braves and Rays could still consider Abrams despite defensive concerns. Other suitors could include the Pirates, Mariners, and Red Sox.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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