The Atlanta Braves could still make a major trade before opening day. Atlanta is heading towards the 2026 season with a fairly set starting lineup. The middle of the team’s lineup will still be anchored by Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña, Drake Baldwin, and Austin Riley. Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski is the lone new significant piece of the puzzle for manager Walt Weiss.
Ha-Seong Kim was previously expected to be penciled in at the bottom of the batting order. The Braves rewarded the shortstop with a one-year, $20 million contract during the offseason. Nevertheless, Kim suffered a freak injury while back in Korea this winter. As a result, versatile veteran Mauricio Dubon is widely considered to be Atlanta’s starting shortstop on opening day.
Dubon, however, is not exactly a typical shortstop. In fact, he has played more MLB games in the outfield and at second base than at shortstop during his career. On top of this, the utility player is also not known as an offensive standout either. Dubon has a career slugging percentage and OPS of .374 and .668, respectively.
Because of this, the Braves could still target Washington Nationals All-Star C.J. Abrams. The shortstop has been linked with a move away from D.C. for most of the offseason. While spring training is set to get underway, Abrams has now been named as the most likely MLB player to be traded soon. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark asked 36 MLB execs to pick a player set to change teams, and Abrams received the most votes.
Poll is Good News for Atlanta Braves and C.J. Abrams
GettyC.J. Abrams was a National League All-Star in 2024.
One exec was specifically asked by Stark about the Nationals publicly pouring cold water on dealing Abrams. “I don’t believe it,” replied the anonymous source. “Their goal right now is to have the No. 1-ranked system in baseball. So anything that could help them get there, they’re going to do.”
While Stark or the polled execs did not name the Braves when discussing Abrams, Atlanta has been linked with the shortstop before. ESPN’s David Schoenfield recently proposed a trade that would see Atlanta grab Abrams for prospects. In the mock deal, the Braves would send pitchers Cam Caminiti and Didier Fuentes, as well as infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr., to Washington.
Abrams would certainly be an upgrade at the position. The 2024 All-Star posted a .433 slugging, .748 OPS, and 3.4 WAR with the Nationals in 2025. Along with his ability to hit, Abrams can also fly around the bases. The infielder has 109 total stolen bases over his last three campaigns.
Atlanta Could Move Abrams to Second Base in the Future
One potential area of concern for the Braves regarding Abrams is his defense. The player is considered one of the worst defensive shortstops in all of Major League Baseball. Only Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz managed to have more errors than Abrams at the position in 2025 (22).
Nevertheless, the Braves could use Abrams as their first choice shortstop for now before changing his position later. He may very well be better used as a second baseman in the future. Atlanta’s current starter at second, Ozzie Albies, is entering his final year under contract with the club. Abrams can also potentially be deployed in the outfield. He previously played right field a few times for the San Diego Padres in 2022.
Braves Trade Target Named Most Likely MLB Player to be Dealt