MLB Trade Rumors: Top 3 Landing Spots for Nationals Shortstop CJ Abrams

He's been one of the top trade candidates all offseason, and he remains so as we get ever-closer to Opening Day in a couple of weeks. Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was a 2024 All-Star and has been a consistent offensive force for three years running. He's essentially been a 20-30 man (homers and steals) througout that period.

Abrams came to the nation's capital as part of the huge Juan Soto blockbuster in 2022 in the Nationals' last tear-it-down rebuild. Now, it's time to do it again. Only James Wood, at 23, remains from that deal as that Nats are into another rebuild. Abrams isn't exactly over the hill at age 25, but the team is more than willing to deal him for a nice prospect return.

So which teams can we look at as landing spots? Here are three potential destinations:

Tampa Bay Rays

With three more years of team control, and a more-than-reasonable $4.2 million salary in his first year of arbitration this season, Abrams is certainly the Rays' type of player. His defense isn't quite up to their standards, but his All-Star bat and that relatively 'minuscule' salary more than makes up for it. They're currently slated to be going with Taylor Walls at short, so the power/speed combo of Abrams would be a big improvement and lengthen their lineup.

Cleveland Guardians

For the same money/contract reasons, Abrams would be attractive to the Guardians as well. Gabriel Arias, a .215 career hitter with a .630 OPS is keeping the shortstop position warm until some prospects are ready. But if the Guards hope to contend again in the weak AL Central this year, Abrams would be a huge addition to their lineup right now.

Chicago White Sox

Here's a team in the same position as the Nationals, in the early stages of a rebuild. Again, Abrams' 25 years of age is not too old for a rebuilding team, and if the Pale Hose can grin & bear it on the defensive side of the ball (his Outs Above Average of minus-11 ranks in the 2nd percentile in all of baseball), they could build with a rock solid offensive star in their lineup.