The million-dollar question surrounding the New York Yankees right now: Will they trade shortstop Anthony Volpe? Volpe is recovering from a torn labrum and is set to miss the opening part of the season, which means the Yankees will get a glimpse of how the team looks without him in the lineup.
This could lead New York to believe it should move on from Volpe, who has been the subject of trade speculation this offseason. Another name that has garnered trade speculation is Washington Nationals‘ shortstop CJ Abrams, who would fit in perfectly in New York. While the Yankees don’t necessarily need another left-handed bat, Abrams production against both righties and lefties exceeds what Anthony Volpe can bring to the Yankees offense.
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MLB Mock Trade Sends CJ Abrams to New York
Getty(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
In a hypothetical MLB mock trade by Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea, the Yankees are linked with the Washington Nationals in a potential blockbuster trade. New York would land CJ Abrams, and Washington would get a package deal that includes Anthony Volpe, Spencer Jones, and Chase Hampton.
“Moving from Washington to the Yankees lineup would likely increase his [Abrams] runs and RBIs thanks to a stronger supporting cast, and Yankee Stadium’s short porch could push him into the 20–25 HR range. His stolen bases (31 in 2025) might dip slightly depending on team philosophy, but he’d still be a major speed contributor.”
This seems like a solid trade idea, minus Spencer Jones being a part of it. It seems unlikely that the Yankees would part ways with Spencer Jones this early in his career. A lower-tier prospect could be thrown in this trade idea to make it work.
As for Abrams being a strong shortstop, he was named to the All-Star team in 2024, and has consecutive seasons with 29+ doubles, 19+ home runs, and 31+ stolen bases. He would be another base-stealing threat for New York.
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Will CJ Abrams Be Traded?
The Washington Nationals showed a willingness to start their new rebuild when the organization traded away ace MacKenzie Gore. CJ Abrams has been one of the hottest infield names on the trade market this offseason, but there have been no real reports about if a deal is trending in the direction of a trade.
Washington might want to build around CJ Abrams, James Wood, and others, which would leave the Yankees searching elsewhere for a potential Anthony Volpe replacement if he continues to underperform in the Bronx.
It’s not that Volpe has been terrible in a Yankees uniform, but the situation doesn’t feel right, especially with Yankees fans being so unsupportive of the 24-year-old shortstop.
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Yankees Predicted to Trade Anthony Volpe for Nationals’ All-Star Infielder