New MLB Trade Rumors on CJ Abrams After Nationals' Surprise Trade with Red Sox for Connelly Early

After acquiring starting pitcher Connelly Early from the Boston Red Sox, the Washington Nationals reportedly could be making more moves before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Washington "has shown a willingness to listen" to trade offers for shortstop CJ Abrams. However, sources told Passan that Abrams "is not seen as particularly likely to go, especially with the Nationals far exceeding expectations going into the season."

Abrams earned his second career All-Star selection this year and is hitting .293 with 25 home runs and 79 RBI. He leads the Nationals in batting average, RBI and total hits (111).

Despite Abrams' individual excellence, the Nationals rank third in the NL East with a 53-52 record. Passan noted that they "have languished around .500 all season because of a severe lack of pitching," which led to their decision to acquire Early from the Red Sox in exchange for third baseman Curtis Mead.

While Washington doesn't sound particularly motivated to trade Abrams, Passan explained that other teams will do their best to pry him away over the next week.

"The terms to acquire the under-control shortstops -- Abrams, Houston's Jeremy Pena and Los Angeles' Zach Neto -- remain high, but even teams with shortstops already are considering pursuits of them, sources said," Passan stated.