Tampa Bay Rays Linked to Potential Blockbuster Trade for Nationals Star CJ Abrams

Could the Tampa Bay Rays make a serious splash at the MLB Trade Deadline?

If so, could they get a team on the cusp of a playoff berth themselves to move on from one of their young assets? It may be more possible than you think. 

The Washington Nationals are currently 4 games outside of the final wildcard spot in the National League before the second half of the season kicks back off Friday. If they can’t make up some ground by the end of the month, they might not like their chances heading into the late summer. It could mean they might be willing to move on from some of their players. 

Although pending free agent pitcher Foster Griffin seems like a player that is likely to move, the Rays shouldn’t hesitate to inquire about shortstop CJ Abrams. The young veteran is owed $4.2 million this season and will enter arbitration over the next two offseasons. If the Nationals are willing to listen to a large offer filled with prospects, Tampa Bay would be a perfect landing spot. 

In fact, earlier this week, Bleacher Report listed the Rays as a presumably interested team for a potential trade involving Abrams, the biggest question isn’t his skill or if he will drastically improve the middle of the infield and batting order for Tampa Bay, but if the Nationals would actually entertain the idea of moving him. 

“Even if they do go the selling route, though, would they really unload CJ Abrams amid a career season with two years of control remaining? Or maybe just get something for impending free agent Foster Griffin and call it a day?

Abrams has already set a new career high for RBI in a single season (67) and has an OPS (.862) more than 100 points better than his previous best. He is on pace for roughly 33 home runs and 26 stolen bases and would be a welcome addition to just about any lineup, even as he continues to play some of the least valuable defense in all of baseball.”

Adding Abrams to the Rays lineup would fix a ton of problems with one swing by the organization's front office. They would add power, speed on the base paths, as well as a solidified answer at shortstop heading into the second half of the year. 

A move to acquire Abrams would likely cost multiple top-level prospects, but it could be entirely worth it given the circumstances. The team, of course, would have a better chance at making a deep run this season in the postseason, fighting for their first World Series win. But also, Abrams is only 25 years old. If they move a few Top 100 prospects to get him to Tampa Bay, they could offer him a large contract extension and solidify the middle infield spot for years to come. 

It may be a long shot, but even if the Nationals entertain the idea of listening to offers, the Rays better be their first call.