Why Nationals might trade away CJ Abrams after 2026 MLB season

The Washington Nationals have not been afraid of trading away their young and talented players. They shipped off MacKenzie Gore last offseason and entertained offers on just about any player.

CJ Abrams was one of those players receiving interest, and plenty of teams were eyeing the infielder as a trade target. But the Nationals kept him, and Abrams rewarded them with a big breakout season.

However, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com revealed that the Nationals might still end up trading Abrams after his breakout 2026 season. But why? Well, Abrams' insistence on being a shortstop might lead to a trade to a team willing to play him there.

CJ Abrams' wish to play SS might lead to a Nationals trade

"Abrams wants to remain at shortstop long-term, making an extension with Washington unlikely, so president of baseball operations Paul Toboni could look to deal the two-time All-Star as he continues to shape the club in his second year on the job," Feinsand writes.

Since the Nationals don't want to keep Abrams at shortstop and are trying to move him to second base, the two sides might be headed for a split this offseason.

Abrams, the All-Star infielder who has 30 home runs this season with 4.4 bWAR, could be a highly coveted trade chip this upcoming offseason.

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He's under club control through the 2028 season, so the Nationals should be able to land quite a strong return this winter from a contender.

Next year he'll be just 26 years old, and he has two years of club control. With a weaker market in free agency for good infielders, Abrams could bring back a very strong return.

Washington might be moving Abrams this offseason, and it's thanks in large part to Abrams' wish to be a full-time shortstop. The Nationals don't want him there, so a trade could be a natural resolution to this problem.

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