Washington Nationals star shortstop CJ Abrams addressed his mindset amid trade rumors ahead of the 2026 season
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The Washington Nationals are roughly one week into spring training, with Tuesday marking an off day and the team set to take on Venezuela in an exhibition game on Wednesday in the World Baseball Classic as the new-look Nationals look to gain separation and make their mark under a new-look coaching staff and first-year manager Blake Butera.
The Washington Nationals are roughly one week into spring training, with Tuesday marking an off day and the team set to take on Venezuela in an exhibition game on Wednesday in the World Baseball Classic as the new-look Nationals look to gain separation and make their mark under a new-look coaching staff and first-year manager Blake Butera.
One of those players who remains a key piece and a headliner for the Nationals ahead of the twenty twenty-six season remains shortstop CJ Abrams, who was highlighted by the MLB Network during their segment over the weekend.
One of those players who remains a key piece and a headliner for the Nationals ahead of the twenty twenty-six season remains shortstop CJ Abrams, who was highlighted by the MLB Network during their segment over the weekend.
I’m Ami Kfir, covering the Washington Nationals for Roundtable IO and ahead of Monday’s game against the Houston Astros.
I’m Ami Kfir, covering the Washington Nationals for Roundtable IO and ahead of Monday’s game against the Houston Astros.
Abrams was one of just nine players to draw ten or more at-bats so far this spring, while he’s notched a pair of hits, including one double and an RBI in the spring training opening win against the Astros.
Abrams was one of just nine players to draw ten or more at-bats so far this spring, while he’s notched a pair of hits, including one double and an RBI in the spring training opening win against the Astros.
He also got on base in both at-bats against Houston, thanks to one walk and a hit before going hitless in Sunday’s deflating loss against the Marlins.
He also got on base in both at-bats against Houston, thanks to one walk and a hit before going hitless in Sunday’s deflating loss against the Marlins.
But Abrams also looks to enter twenty twenty-six for some consistency on the field.
But Abrams also looks to enter twenty twenty-six for some consistency on the field.
Of course, he’s coming off a twenty twenty-five season where he dominated through the first half, where he posted twelve home runs, twenty stolen bases, and a two eighty-seven batting average ahead of the All-Star break.
Of course, he’s coming off a twenty twenty-five season where he dominated through the first half, where he posted twelve home runs, twenty stolen bases, and a two eighty-seven batting average ahead of the All-Star break.
Those numbers drastically pulled off in the second half of the season, with his batting average dropping nearly point one while amassing just seven home runs.
Those numbers drastically pulled off in the second half of the season, with his batting average dropping nearly point one while amassing just seven home runs.
Off the field, Abrams is looking to avoid the noise.
Off the field, Abrams is looking to avoid the noise.
He was asked about being the subject of trade rumors and speculation through the offseason.
He was asked about being the subject of trade rumors and speculation through the offseason.
Of course, Abrams found himself in the midst of trade speculation exactly one day after the Nationals agreed to send Mackenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers.
Of course, Abrams found himself in the midst of trade speculation exactly one day after the Nationals agreed to send Mackenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers.
There was a report that the San Francisco Giants made an aggressive run at Abrams this offseason before negotiations fizzled due to the Nationals’ asking price.
There was a report that the San Francisco Giants made an aggressive run at Abrams this offseason before negotiations fizzled due to the Nationals’ asking price.
Of course, that only started the rumors and speculation and mock trade ideas surrounding CJ Abrams, though President of Baseball Operations Paul Taboni has been consistent that the Nationals are not looking to shop him, but they will continue to listen to other teams as they evaluate all offers for their players across the roster.
Of course, that only started the rumors and speculation and mock trade ideas surrounding CJ Abrams, though President of Baseball Operations Paul Taboni has been consistent that the Nationals are not looking to shop him, but they will continue to listen to other teams as they evaluate all offers for their players across the roster.
But for Abrams, he’s looking to avoid the noise, as we noted, adding, quote, just stay where your feet are.
But for Abrams, he’s looking to avoid the noise, as we noted, adding, quote, just stay where your feet are.
Whatever happens, happens.
Whatever happens, happens.
Just got to take care of, like you said, the task at hand and just stay where your feet are in the present.
Just got to take care of, like you said, the task at hand and just stay where your feet are in the present.
MLB Trade Rumors noted on Sunday evening that the team isn’t, quote, hanging up the phone to any offers, but they’ll need to they’ll need a lot more to move him now, consistent with the feedback prior to the Mackenzie Gore trade and echoing what Paul Taboni said during the event.
MLB Trade Rumors noted on Sunday evening that the team isn’t, quote, hanging up the phone to any offers, but they’ll need to they’ll need a lot more to move him now, consistent with the feedback prior to the Mackenzie Gore trade and echoing what Paul Taboni said during the event.
First season ticket holders last month.
First season ticket holders last month.
Again, Abrams remains a centerpiece of the Nationals’ twenty twenty-six identity as he and James Wood look to anchor the Nationals into year one under manager Blake Butera.
Again, Abrams remains a centerpiece of the Nationals’ twenty twenty-six identity as he and James Wood look to anchor the Nationals into year one under manager Blake Butera.
Whether he’s able to put a complete season together will be the biggest thing.
Whether he’s able to put a complete season together will be the biggest thing.
Whether he remains with the Nationals through the twenty twenty-six season is another storyline in and itself.
Whether he remains with the Nationals through the twenty twenty-six season is another storyline in and itself.
For all your Nationals news through spring training and ahead of the twenty twenty-six regular season, make sure you head to nationals.roundtable.io.
For all your Nationals news through spring training and ahead of the twenty twenty-six regular season, make sure you head to nationals.roundtable.io.