The New York Yankees‘ roster is generally set with Opening Day just around the corner.
For the most part, the Yankees are running it back with the same team as last year, give or take a few additions and subtractions here or there.
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But could New York swing a blockbuster trade before the regular season begins?
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has linked the Yankees to a rather significant move before the opener, connecting them to a trade for Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams.
“Anthony Volpe was the future at shortstop not too long ago, but a dismal 2025 season and shoulder surgery have hit the brakes on that plan. Jose Caballero doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence, either,” Rymer wrote. “So, why not swing for the fences with a trade for Abrams?”
Well, there are multiple reasons why New York should probably steer clear of an Abrams trade, and we have discussed them at length this offseason.
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First and foremost, Abrams is one of the worst defensive infielders in all of baseball. He posted a minus-6 DRS and minus-11 OAA in 2025, and the year prior, Abrams was at a minus-18 in the latter category.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images.
It’s also not like the compensates for his defensive deficiencies with an elite bat. Far from it.
While Abrams was certainly better than Volpe at the dish last season, he wasn’t overly impressive, slashing .257/.315/.433. In fact, Volpe hit just as many home runs (19) and had 12 more RBI (72) than Abrams, and in 39 fewer plate appearances.
Finally, Abrams still has three years of club control remaining, so the Nationals have no reason to trade him now. If they did move him, they would surely ask for a king’s ransom in return, especially considering that he was a critical piece in the deal that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres back in 2022.
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Washington is not going to sell low on Abrams, so the chances of the Yankees getting the former first-round pick on the cheap are slim to none.
And one more thing: New York already may have its shortstop of the future in waiting in George Lombard Jr. Plus, Dax Kilby is also in the Yanks’ system.
There is very little reason for the Yankees to surrender anything of prominent value for Abrams, who is getting by more on his name than actual production at this stage.
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