Yankees Eye All-Star Shortstop to Fill Key Roster Gap

Facing a crucial gap at shortstop, the Yankees are eyeing a game-changing trade for Washington Nationals' standout CJ Abrams, positioning him as a long-term infield solution.

The New York Yankees are gearing up for another shot at the World Series, and with Aaron Judge leading the charge, they’re certainly in the conversation. However, there’s a glaring gap on the roster: shortstop. Anthony Volpe is dealing with injuries, and the current backup, Jose Cabellero, hasn’t quite filled the void.

Enter CJ Abrams, the Washington Nationals' shortstop with a 3.4 WAR, who’s caught the eye of many, including Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller. Miller suggests that Abrams could be the Yankees' solution to their shortstop dilemma.

Abrams to the Yankees?

Miller speculates, “(Abrams) Ends up with: New York Yankees,” highlighting the potential fit for the team, especially as they navigate Volpe’s uncertain recovery timeline.

At 25, Abrams has been a consistent performer, boasting a 3.5 bWAR in 2023 and maintaining a 3.4 bWAR in the following two seasons. With club control through 2028, Abrams represents a solid long-term investment for the Yankees.

In the fiercely competitive AL East, every advantage counts. Abrams’ recent performance with the Nationals-249 hits, 35 doubles, five triples, 29 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases with a .748 OPS-makes him a prime candidate for a mid-season trade.

Looking ahead, if Jazz Chisholm Jr. departs as a free agent after 2026, Abrams or Volpe could seamlessly transition to second base, offering the Yankees flexibility in their infield strategy.

This potential trade isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s a strategic move to secure one of the league’s top middle infielders for the future. As trade rumors swirl, keep an eye on Abrams and the Yankees-this could be a game-changer.