The Washington Nationals have been relatively quiet so far this offseason-but don’t let the silence fool you. Behind the scenes, there’s growing buzz that the front office could be gearing up for a major shakeup.
Two names at the center of it all: left-hander MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams. According to Jeff Passan’s latest trade board, both players are firmly on the radar as potential trade candidates, and the numbers he’s putting on their chances of being moved are turning some heads.
Passan gives Abrams a 35% chance of being traded this offseason, while Gore sits just behind at 30%. That might surprise some fans, especially considering Gore’s situation.
He’s closer to free agency, and with Scott Boras as his agent, an extension feels like a long shot. That typically points to a trade sooner rather than later.
But Passan suggests the Nationals might wait until the trade deadline to move Gore-and there’s logic behind that.
For starters, Gore has a history of starting seasons strong. If he comes out firing in April and May, his value could spike-especially if other teams are dealing with injuries or rotation concerns.
Pitching depth becomes a premium commodity in the heat of a playoff push, and a lefty with Gore’s upside could suddenly become one of the most sought-after arms on the market. There’s also belief within the Nationals’ development staff, particularly under Paul Toboni’s leadership, that there’s still untapped potential in Gore.
If they can help him take the next step, they’re not just trading a mid-rotation starter-they’re moving a potential frontline guy. That’s a big difference in return.
Of course, there’s risk in waiting. Pitchers are volatile by nature, and Gore hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency.
If he struggles out of the gate or, worse, gets hurt, the Nationals could see his trade value evaporate. That’s the gamble: trade now and lock in a decent return, or wait and hope for a breakout that boosts his stock.
It’s also worth noting that Gore isn’t the only pitcher on the market. Passan’s board includes names like Joe Ryan, Hunter Greene, and Freddy Peralta-arms with arguably higher ceilings or more consistent track records. But if Gore performs early, he could leapfrog that group by midseason.
And then there’s the looming uncertainty of a potential lockout. With 2027 marking Gore’s walk year, any labor disruptions could further complicate his market.
Passan lists the Orioles, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rangers, and Giants as teams that could be in the mix. And while nothing appears imminent, Toboni has reportedly already had conversations with clubs about Gore.
Turning to Abrams, his inclusion on the trade board at 35% is intriguing. He’s still under team control for three more seasons, which usually means a player is more likely to be part of the long-term plan.
He’s also a logical extension candidate, especially for a team that’s still building its core. But team control also makes him incredibly valuable in trade talks-particularly for small-market clubs like the Pirates, Royals, and Guardians, who are always hunting for affordable upside.
What really caught attention, though, was a detail Passan casually dropped: the idea of moving Abrams to center field. It’s not a new concept for players with Abrams’ athleticism, but it’s not something that’s been widely discussed in D.C. circles.
Most have assumed a shift to second base was more likely, especially given his defensive struggles at shortstop. But with the Nationals’ outfield already crowded, a move to center hasn’t gained much traction-until now.
Even with the 35% trade odds, Passan makes it clear the Nationals aren’t desperate to move Abrams. They’re willing to listen, but it would take a significant offer to make them pull the trigger. That said, if the right team comes knocking with a premium package, all bets are off.
And then there’s the wild card: what if the Nationals packaged both Abrams and Gore in the same deal? It’s not something Passan directly mentioned this time around, but he floated the idea earlier in the offseason.
Pairing two young, controllable talents in one blockbuster would be a bold move-but it wouldn’t be unprecedented. The Nationals pulled off something similar when they moved Max Scherzer and Trea Turner in one fell swoop.
The Giants are reportedly interested in both Gore and Abrams, but pulling off a deal for both would require serious prospect capital-something San Francisco may not have in abundance. Still, it’s a scenario worth keeping in the back of your mind. As we’ve seen before, when the Nationals decide to make a move, they don’t always play it safe.
So far, the Nationals’ offseason has been more whisper than roar. But that could change in a hurry.
With Paul Toboni at the helm and Jeff Passan hinting at real movement behind the scenes, don’t be surprised if Washington becomes one of the most active teams in the coming weeks. Whether it’s Gore, Abrams, or both, the Nats have the pieces to make serious noise-and reshape their future in the process.