Nationals predicted to make huge CJ Abrams trade decision for two reasons

The Washington Nationals might not be the best team in baseball this season, but they're certainly a legitimate postseason contender. If it weren't for their atrocious bullpen, the Nationals might be one of the more intriguing contenders in baseball.

But, even now, they're a great team with the breakout of CJ Abrams and the dominance of James Wood. However, Abrams has popped up in trade rumors, despite the team's success this season.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today made a prediction on these Abrams trade rumors, revealing two reasons why Nationals fans can breathe a sigh of relief, for now, that Abrams is almost assuredly going nowhere this season.

Nationals predicted not to trade CJ Abrams for two reasons

"Prediction: The Nationals, one of baseball's biggest surprises at 44-43, can't trade Abrams without a huge public relations fallout," Nightengale writes. "At least not now. They are still in the race, just 2 1/2 games out, and Abrams still is under control through 2028."

With the Nationals still having Abrams under club control through the 2028 season, they have another two years to decide on whether they need to trade him or not.

If they agree to a long-term extension before the 2028 season is over, then there's no worry about Abrams leaving Washington.

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However, if they can't come to terms on a contract, then the Nationals will have the ability to trade him at the 2028 MLB trade deadline or in the offseason before the 2028 season.

Regardless, the Nationals don't need to make a trade decision on Abrams just yet. Nightengale is predicting Abrams won't be going anywhere, between the time to make a trade decision and the fallout of a deal this summer, this prediction makes sense.

Abrams is hitting .273 this season with 18 homers, 2.9 bWAR, and an NL-leading 60 RBIs with an .866 OPS and 140 OPS+.

He's one of the best hitters on the Nationals, and shouldn't be going anywhere this season. While it's only a prediction from Nightengale, it's a noteworthy one, as the basis for said prediction is sound, and should keep Abrams in Washington for another year at the least.

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