The Washington Nationals are in the middle of a full-scale rebuild, and they’re not exactly being subtle about it. Since their magical World Series run in 2019, the Nats haven’t cracked more than 71 wins in a season.
Now, it looks like just about anyone on the roster with trade value is up for grabs. The first major move?
Shipping lefty ace MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in exchange for a prospect-heavy return. That deal may have opened the floodgates, because Washington is now reportedly shopping more key pieces from its 2025 roster - and one name stands out as a potential game-changer for the Tampa Bay Rays: shortstop CJ Abrams.
Why CJ Abrams Could Be the Spark Tampa Bay Needs
At just 25 years old, CJ Abrams has quietly developed into one of the more intriguing young shortstops in the league. Ever since arriving in Washington as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to San Diego, Abrams has steadily elevated his game. While Soto’s time in San Diego turned out to be short-lived - and included a down year in 2022 - Abrams has grown into a dependable, everyday contributor in the nation’s capital.
Defensively, he’s been rock solid. In 2023, Abrams led all major leaguers in both putouts and double plays turned at shortstop.
That kind of range and awareness up the middle is rare, especially from a player still developing his offensive identity. But what really makes Abrams stand out is how he’s paired that glove work with some sneaky power from the left side of the plate.
Over the past three seasons, he’s posted at least a 3.4 WAR each year - a clear sign he’s bringing value on both sides of the ball.
It does raise an eyebrow that Washington seems willing to move on from a player with that kind of profile. You’d think a 25-year-old shortstop with plus defense and emerging pop would be a cornerstone for a rebuilding team. But if the Nationals are listening, the Rays should absolutely be calling.
A Fit That Makes Sense - On and Off the Field
From Tampa Bay’s perspective, Abrams checks a lot of boxes. First and foremost: he’s affordable.
He’s set to make $4.2 million in 2026, and he’s still under team control through arbitration beyond that. For a franchise that’s always walking the financial tightrope, that kind of cost control is huge.
Then there’s the age factor. Abrams is four years younger than current Rays shortstop Taylor Walls, and that gap matters - not just in terms of upside, but also in how long Tampa Bay could potentially keep him in the fold. The Rays rarely get the chance to build around a young, high-upside middle infielder, but Abrams could be that rare exception.
And let’s not ignore the offensive need. After Brandon Lowe departed for Pittsburgh, the Rays lost a major source of power production.
They’ve added Gavin Lux to help with contact and on-base skills, but the lineup still feels light in the slugging department. Abrams, with his left-handed pop and athleticism, could help balance things out - and do it without compromising the team’s identity on defense.
The Bottom Line
The Nationals are clearly in teardown mode, and CJ Abrams might be the next name on the move. For the Rays, that’s an opportunity worth exploring.
Abrams brings youth, upside, positional value, and affordability - a rare combination that fits perfectly with Tampa Bay’s long-term vision. If the front office is serious about staying competitive while keeping an eye on the future, this is the kind of move that could pay off in a big way.