Speculation that the Washington Nationals could opt to hang onto star shortstop CJ Abrams grows as the trade deadline approaches
Could a longshot, doomsday scenario fail to materialize ahead of the trade deadline? That may be the case now for the Washington Nationals.
Despite constant noise surrounding star shortstop CJ Abrams, a trade may now be viewed as unlikely to materialize with less than one week until the deadline. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand noted he would be "surprised" regarding a possible trade involving CJ Abrams, though cautioned anything could happen "if a team decides to make a huge overpay for him." ESPN also noted that "many in the industry believe Washington will keep [Abrams]" despite interest elsewhere and speculation the Boston Red Sox could make a push.
It's been a consistent question for Abrams, who has quieted any possible early concerns about a second half slump with already five home runs and 15 RBIs since the All Star break.
Abrams has drawn reported interest from the New York Yankees with the Milwaukee Brewers expected to pick efforts back up after joining the San Francisco Giants in an offseason trade attempt with the Nationals. In both cases, reports pointed to Washington's steep asking price as reason for deteriorating negotiations, possibly a sign of the front office's true willingness to part with the recent two-time All Star.
It's also fair to say that Abrams, who has become a cornerstone of the franchise alongside outfielder James Wood, may indeed be too good for the Nationals to trade amid a season where they're still in the playoff hunt heading into August.
Abrams still leads all of baseball with 82 RBIs this season, more than enough to already set a career-high with still 54 regular season games left, while also sitting top-15 in both home runs (27) and batting average (.295). His 27 home runs have also set a new career-high, part of the reason why the shortstop has seen his value soar.
Still, whether the Nationals ultimately trade anyone else remains to be seen. Luis Garcia Jr has also drawn reported trade interest, while Brady House was seen working at first base ahead of the series at home against the Toronto Blue Jays. Foster Griffin, meanwhile, has remained a mainstay in trade rumors as scouts from the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays were in attendance to watch his last start on Saturday, fueling the speculation whether a move ultimately comes to fruition.
Washington has already pulled the trigger on one pre-deadline deal after sending third baseman Curtis Mead to the Red Sox in exchange for left handed pitcher Connelly Early. While the Nationals expect Early to pitch again this season, Mead has already hit the injured list with a broken wrist suffered in his debut with the team.
