MLB Insider offers shocking next step in Nationals' rebuild after MacKenzie Gore blockbuster check headline

Since the 2022 blockbuster trade that had Juan Soto move from the Washington Nationals to the San Diego Padres, the Nationals have been viewed as a team with a talented young core that was a few pieces away from being playoff contenders.

However, their recent trade of All-Star ace MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers suggests that the team may not share the same optimism as fans and could be looking to move a few more pieces to better round out their roster.

With their team now in another rebuild, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi suggested a possible move of another Nationals star before this season’s trade deadline. “[CJ] Abrams is the name for me that will likely at some point in time move on,” Morosi said. “If [Anthony] Volpe struggles... maybe the Yankees take a look at someone like an Abrams down towards the trade deadline.”

“[CJ] Abrams is the name for me that will likely at some point in time move on... If [Anthony] Volpe struggles... maybe the Yankees take a look at someone like an Abrams down towards the trade deadline.”@jonmorosi | #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/8WKgeUxAu7

Nationals Reassess Timeline

Projected to be a breakout year for the New York Yankees' third-year shortstop, Anthony Volpe regressed, only batting .212 and finishing fourth in the majors in errors, despite being a former Gold Glove winner.

Volpe is expected to miss opening day after having offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, leaving the Yankees unsure of whether he is the right answer for a team that is looking to compete for a World Series.

In his four years with Washington, Abrams has been a highly productive shortstop, with his combination of power and speed making him an elite option both offensively and defensively. After earning his first All-Star selection in 2024, Abrams followed that with his best statistical season in 2025, batting .257 and producing a career-high in hits, runs and OPS.

While the Nationals have an abundance of talent offensively, with the departure of Gore, the team now lacks experience and reliability among its starting rotation.

Per the Washington Post, the Nationals have been shopping CJ Abrams and Jacob Young this offseason pic.twitter.com/RC3sHZGNYK

Another key piece acquired in the Soto trade, offering Abrams to the Yankees, could help them recoup some pitching talent, with the Yankees having an abundance of starting options and potentially willing to return an elite young pitching talent like Cam Schittler or Luis Gil for Abrams.

With pressure not to waste another season of reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge’s prime years, it will be interesting to see how far New York is willing to go to reclaim the coveted World Series trophy.