The Boston Red Sox fell short of landing rumored trade target CJ Abrams this year, but one MLB insider believes the second time could be the charm.
The Washington Nationals infielder was considered one of the top prizes of the recently passed MLB trade deadline, but the Nationals ended up keeping the two-time All-Star as they sold off several other pieces. CBS Sports reporter Mike Axisa believes the Nationals could reconsider his future with the team this coming winter, with the Red Sox as a top target if they decide to trade him.
Red Sox Could Try Again for CJ Abrams This Winter
Axisa noted that the Nationals “sold pretty aggressively” at this week’s trade deadline, shipping away Luis Garcia Jr., Foster Griffin, and Curtis Mead. They held onto Abrams, however, even as he generated significant interest.
“My sense is that the leaks had more to do with teams calling about him than Washington shopping him,” Axisa wrote. “Abrams has another two years of control, and the Nationals are a team on the rise. Keeping him and winning with him would be preferable, I imagine, though president of baseball operations Paul Toboni & Co. have to at least be willing to listen.”
Axisa named the Red Sox as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves as potential suitors, but noted it would not come cheap.
“Abrams could bring back an enormous package of not just prospects, but MLB-ready players who can help Washington win in 2027,” Axisa wrote.
The Red Sox could have used Abrams this season. After falling to 13 games below .500 in late June, the team has gone on a tear for the last six weeks and won 31 of their last 36 games. The Red Sox are solidly in the playoff picture in the American League and within striking distance of the Tampa Bay Rays for the division lead.
Red Sox Could Look at Other Targets
Axisa believes the Red Sox will keep busy adding talent in the winter, naming them as another candidate to land Angels shortstop Zach Neto. The Angels, like the Nationals, were sellers at this season’s trade deadline, and Axisa believes they’ll have more assets to shed in the winter.
“The Angels did nice work in a seller’s market at the deadline, and they figure to clean up if they move these two over the winter,” Axisa wrote.
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