CJ Abrams’ electric season at the plate deepens dilemma for Nats at MLB trade deadline

CJ Abrams is the most valuable player on the trade market, according to some rival evaluators, a dynamic force who has lifted the Washington Nationals to heights they did not expect to reach this season. Whether the franchise trades the 25-year-old All-Star to a team desperate to improve its World Series odds with just over a week left before the Aug. 3 deadline, however, remains one of the industry’s biggest unknowns.

A number of factors will shape that decision, according to multiple executives across the league and in the organization who were granted anonymity in exchange for candor. That includes how the surprisingly competitive Nats perform over the next week, how aggressive rival teams are in their pursuits, and whether a relatively inexperienced front office adjusts its approach after potential trade partners scoffed last winter about asking prices they deemed unreasonable.

The New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers are among contenders who could consider an upgrade at shortstop. The Nationals, conversely and unexpectedly, will consider selling off their most valuable pieces for prospects while also acquiring big-league players who would help an immediate push for the playoffs. Trading Abrams would have long-lasting consequences as the Nationals are, seven years after their World Series triumph, finally competitive again.

The Nationals are not shopping Abrams, according to people briefed on the club’s thinking. But they will at least listen to offers, which they anticipate will be more serious than they were over the winter as he tracks toward career highs in, well, just about everything.

CJ Abrams was an All-Star for Washington this year. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

If that interest indeed manifests in more serious talks, the Nationals new front office will weigh the merits of making a deal versus keeping Abrams and be tasked with navigating quite the quandary at its first deadline, one whose complications began to reveal itself last winter.

The Brewers were one team that balked at the Nationals’ high asking price on Abrams over the winter. They were not alone. This offseason, talks between the Nationals and San Francisco Giants stalled, even when the Giants signaled an openness to include teenage shortstop prospect Josuar Gonzalez (No. 38 in Keith Law’s Top 100) in a deal.

The Brewers are expected to explore the possibility again soon, according to people briefed on their thinking. Meanwhile, the Yankees have at least also checked in on Abrams. For both teams, along with any other potential suitors, Abrams’ defense stands out as a concern, and could impact how much they are willing to offer. Still, his left-handed bat would offer significant help to any lineup.

Abrams has already produced 3.4 fWAR, which is already a career best with 58 games left. With a little over one week left before the deadline, he is hitting .288 with a career-high 24 home runs and an .905 OPS. He is hitting the ball harder and pulling it in the air more consistently this season, and has also emerged as a leader in Washington’s young clubhouse.

This is not to suggest Abrams is without his flaws. Evaluators around MLB are split on whether he is better suited at second base or the outfield rather than at shortstop, or if he could learn another position by October. Abrams himself has plenty of reason to want to stick at the position, though his defensive metrics have been poor. Additionally, his production tailed off dramatically in the second half of 2024 and 2025, though he’s had a strong second half thus far.

The expectation, per those with the Nats, is for teams to soon act aggressively in talks about Abrams. From there, Washington, enjoying a surprisingly successful season, anticipates at least listening to offers and weighing the merits of making a deal versus keeping him.

Over the last couple of weeks, Nationals first-year manager Blake Butera has repeatedly stressed the importance of this stretch and specifically mentioned the trade deadline as a reason why. He has touted the experience of playing meaningful games in the second half, games that would obviously mean less if Abrams were off of the roster. But the Nats’ leadership group is operating in lockstep, meaning everyone understands the merits of each possibility.

CJ Abrams has developed into as a leader for the surprising Nationals, whose fans have endured a long rebuild. (Terrance Williams / Associated Press)

The case for holding on to Abrams is straightforward. Moving on would demoralize the fanbase and clubhouse. Abrams has two more years of control after this season, which could mean multiple postseason runs with the Nationals if they continue this ascent. And if nothing emerges this summer, they have the option to wait until the offseason for a strong deal to materialize.

The case for trading him also has real merit. The Nationals’ postseason odds are south of 10 percent in a competitive National League, and they’re multiple starters and relievers short of a legitimate shot at the World Series. The potential haul from an Abrams deal could dramatically improve future rosters that can compete when the World Series window truly opens, and the premium teams pay on a trade is often greater at the deadline than it is over the offseason.

Perhaps more importantly, there are factors that would make a long-term extension unlikely. Abrams is set to become a free agent in 2028, where he and Gunnar Henderson will likely be the top infielders on the market. If Abrams were to stick at shortstop (or perhaps even if he moved off it) he likely is in line for the sort of contract the Nationals have not handed out since 2019.

Though Abrams is happy in Washington, one could argue he’d be better served financially with teams competing against each other for his services, particularly if his defensive play improves.

Additionally, the Nationals have valuable infield depth in the minor leagues, with Eli Willits (No. 10 in Keith Law’s Top 70) and Seaver King (No. 36) alongside Ronny Cruz, Devin Fitz-Gerald and first-round pick Chris Hacopian. Whether their internal strength at the position dissuades them from allocating money to Abrams remains to be seen.