CJ Abrams (Image source: Instagra,m) The Washington Nationals have declined an offseason push from the San Francisco Giants to acquire all-star shortstop CJ Abrams, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly. The San Francisco Giants approached the Washington Nationals about a major trade and were open to building a package around teenage shortstop candidate Josuar Gonzalez, but Washington refused to move one of its best young players.The interest came shortly after the Nationals traded left-hander MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers for a five-player haul headlined by first-round pick Gavin Fien. The Washington Post reported that the club has also been willing to listen to Abrams, but at a steeper asking price than in the Gore talks. That position is boosted by Abrams’ contractual status, as he is under arbitration control for three more seasons, compared to Gore’s two, giving Washington more leverage in negotiations.
Abrams upside and the Defense in question
Abrams, 25, has shown a stardom streak at the top of the lineup. The last two seasons, he has had a .252/.315/.433 slash line in over 1,200 plate appearances with 39 home runs, and stealing 62 bases, while keeping his strikeout and walk rate slightly lower than the league average. Moreover, CJ has been particularly strong before the All-Star break in the last two years, reiterating the belief that his ceiling is currently that of an All-star regular. Defense, however, continues to temper enthusiasm. Abrams has made 39 errors in that period, second only to Elly De La Cruz among the baseball shortstops, and Statcast metrics have also graded his range unfavorably. Evaluators believe he might be better at second base or even in center field, probably what the Giants were also planning, given the presence of Willy Adames at shortstop.
Giants search for impact and Washington’s firm line
San Francisco’s pursuit of Abrams is indicative of an aggressive bid to add upside after a muted winter. The Giants concentrated on stability in the rotation with the signings of Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, but have yet to decide on a thin outfield. Last week, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the club has been looking to make a major move at that position, while names like Brendan Donovan and Nico Hoerner have been circulated in trade talk.With the Nationals asking for a premium return and the Giants not willing to move on their very best young talent, negotiations have cooled for now. Abrams remains in Washington entering the season, but given San Francisco’s roster needs and the league-wide interest in middle-infield upgrades, the situation bears watching as Opening Day and the trade deadline draw closer.