Rangers predicted to make blockbuster trade for $18M All-Star, reunite with MacKenzie Gore

The Washington Nationals are being led by none other than CJ Abrams this season. He has gotten off to a hot start.

“To start 2026, CJ Abrams has played in 16 of the 17 games for the Nationals, and he has been red hot. In 59 at-bats, he has 21 hits, including six home runs, for a .356 batting average. He has also stolen four bases so far, and has been walked six times, showing great plate discipline. His on-base-plus-slugging percentage is 1.121, which is well above league average as it stands right now. If CJ keeps up his average and power, he will surely be an All-Star selection this year in Philadelphia,” District On Deck’s Jeremy Hasson wrote.

The Nationals already dealt away one of their top arms earlier this offseason.

“The Texas Rangers have acquired All-Star left-hander MacKenzie Gore in a five-for-one trade with the Washington Nationals on Thursday,” ESPN wrote.

Now, there is speculation that the two clubs could once again match up on a deal—this time involving Abrams.

“Early winners of the Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien swap, the Rangers are hoping to get back into the competitive fray. The American League is wide open right now and Abrams can move the needle considerably. The Rangers can move him to second or third, replacing either Josh Jung or Josh Smith, both of whom are negative-fWAR players so far this season. That would mitigate Abrams' defensive shortcomings. Meanwhile, Abrams batting cleanup behind Nimmo, Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager a mighty compelling concept,” FanSided’s Christopher Kline wrote.

With Gore and Abrams being former teammates, the transition to Texas could be a smooth one. The American League West remains wide open, and adding a player like Abrams would only strengthen the Rangers’ case.

A middle infield pairing of Abrams and Corey Seager would be especially dangerous offensively. Abrams will eventually be due for a significant payday, having already earned $18 million in his career. If the Rangers pursue him, it could mark another impactful move for the organization.

More MLB news: