MLB Rumors: Top 3 Trade Destinations For CJ Abrams

June 10, 2026 , , ,
Washington Nationals infielder CJ Abrams reacts during 2026 game.

CJ Abrams is just 25 years old, has 14 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a .283 average in 67 games, and plays for a Washington Nationals team that traded MacKenzie Gore in January and is clearly not built to contend over a 162-game season.

ESPN's Jeff Passan explored the trade picture this week, naming the Yankees, Braves, Brewers, and Rays as teams that could pursue Abrams ahead of the August 3 deadline.

Abrams is not a free agent until after the 2028 season, meaning any acquiring team gets two-plus years of control on one of the better young shortstops in the sport.

New York Yankees

The Yankees demoted Anthony Volpe to Triple-A earlier this season, and although he's back now, they might have the most urgent shortstop need in the American League.

New York has World Series expectations, the prospect capital to meet Washington's ask, and a lineup that desperately needs a left-handed contact bat at the top of the order.

Abrams hit .733 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2026, and despite the Yankees already carrying multiple lefties, he would be a very welcome addition.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are 45-21 and have a shortstop situation that does not match the rest of the roster's quality.

Per Sports Illustrated's Zach Pressnell, Atlanta's need at the position is legitimate enough to justify the conversation despite the intra-division awkwardness of acquiring from Washington.

The Nationals would be trading within the division, which creates a bit of organizational resistance, but the Braves' prospect capital and competitive window make them one of the few teams capable of meeting the price.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have been one of the NL's best teams again this season and are the most interesting fit of the three.

Milwaukee's lineup lacks the kind of high-ceiling offensive presence Abrams provides, and their deep pitching staff gives them prospect capital to offer without gutting the future.

Passan specifically included the Brewers in his analysis of teams that could make a serious run, and the organizational situation of a team needing a long-term offensive centerpiece with a player who is not a free agent until 2028 makes sense long-term.

Photo Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

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