Why Nationals might still trade CJ Abrams after keeping him through 2026 deadline

The Washington Nationals may still trade shortstop CJ Abrams even after keeping him past the 2026 MLB trade deadline. At the deadline, the team sold off Foster Griffin and Luis Garcia Jr. in separate deals, but held on to Abrams despite trade chatter dating back to last offseason. One scenario cited by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter is that the Nationals could move him this winter if they can’t reach a realistic extension before the 2027 season. Abrams remains under club control through 2028, and the article notes he was a two-time All-Star and produced 4.4 bWAR in 2026, giving him strong trade value. If no long-term deal is likely, trading becomes a path to building a contender, since the Nationals already moved MacKenzie Gore.