The Washington Nationals are open to listening to trade offers for All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams, but they are not actively shopping him and have not yet decided if they will move him before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Abrams is considered one of the team's most valuable assets, and would likely draw significant interest if Washington decides to make him available.
The Nationals currently hold a 53-52 record and are two games behind a wild-card spot in the National League, indicating they are still in the hunt for a playoff berth. Abrams has been a key contributor to their performance this season, recording career highs through 100 games with a .293 batting average, 25 home runs, 79 runs batted in, and a .921 OPS.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post previously reported in June that Abrams could attract considerable attention on the trade market. The Yankees have been mentioned as a potential suitor, though they reportedly have strong confidence in their top shortstop prospect, George Lombard Jr. The Milwaukee Brewers, who did not acquire Abrams in the offseason, might be more willing to pursue a deal in the coming week.
Abrams was one of the central pieces acquired by the Nationals in the 2022 trade that sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell to the San Diego Padres. If Abrams were to be traded, James Wood would be the only remaining player from that trade at the MLB level with the Nationals. Pitcher Jarlin Susana, also acquired in that deal, has yet to advance beyond Double-A and has been sidelined by injury this season.
Other shortstops may also be on the move before the deadline. The Boston Red Sox have shown interest in Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, and trade rumors have also surrounded Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets. However, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated that the team views its core group of players, including Lindor, as central to their future plans.