New MLB Rumors on CJ Abrams and What It Would Take for Nationals to Consider Trading Star SS

As the Washington Nationals hang around in the NL wild card race despite a 31-32 record, CJ Abrams' status prior to the Aug. 3 trade deadline could become an intriguing storyline if an opposing teams wants to make a huge offer.

Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Nationals would require "an overwhelming" trade package to move their star shortstop during the season.

The Nationals would in theory be selling high on Abrams, but being 25 years old suggests he is only entering the prime of his career.

Abrams enters play on Thursday ranked 13th among all NL position players with 2.3 fWAR. He is having the best offensive year of his career with a .288/.381/.522 slash line and 12 homers in 62 games.

An All-Star in 2024, Abrams was originally acquired by the Nationals from the San Diego Padres as part of the Juan Soto trade. He had already debuted in the big leagues for San Diego prior to the deal at the age of 21.

Abrams' bat has improved every year of his career, from a wRC+ of 72 in 2022 up to 152 so far this season. Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Drake Baldwin, Kyle Schwarber and James Wood are the only NL players ahead of him in that category.

There would seem to be very little incentive for the Nationals to strongly consider trading Abrams at this point. They are 11.5 games out of first place in the NL East, but are within 2.5 games of the Pittsburgh Pirates for the final wild card spot.

If there is a way for the Nationals to seriously justify exploring their options, it's primarily due to the presence of top prospect Eli Willits in their farm system.

Willits, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 MLB draft, also plays shortstop and is hitting .292/.410/.472 in A ball this season. Passan noted his performance suggests he can move through the minors quickly.

The Nationals also have Seaver King tearing it up in the minors with a .332/.411/.572 slash line in 47 games. He recently earned a promotion to Triple-A.

Still, Abrams' age and having two more years of team control beyond this season gives the Nationals time. They could also shift at least one of them to a different position to get their bat in the lineup whenever King and Willits are ready for the big leagues.