Red Sox Keep Pursuing CJ Abrams Trade
The Boston Red Sox are expected to keep contacting the Washington Nationals about a possible trade for shortstop CJ Abrams this offseason, as of November 3, 2026.
Boston is expected to continue exploring a deal for Abrams, a two-time All-Star coming off a strong 2026 season. He hit 33 home runs, drove in 106 runs and posted a 127 OPS+ for Washington.
The Nationals have indicated they would only consider moving Abrams for a substantial return. The decision would mean weighing the value of future players against losing an established contributor and a prominent face of the franchise.
Boston has a need for offense, and Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni previously worked for the Red Sox. But Boston may have limited prospect capital after trading for Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman before the 2026 deadline. That deal sent three of the Red Sox’s top six prospects to the Orioles.
MLB Pipeline ranked Boston’s farm system 24th after the season, down from 14th before it began. The team has two prospects remaining in the top 100, which could make a package built around prospects more difficult; established major-league players might also be needed to make a deal work.
Washington must decide whether any return is worth trading a player who has delivered significant production, despite serious defensive shortcomings. The possibility of a trade also carries a risk of further frustrating fans. The Red Sox’s continued interest leaves the Nationals with a major offseason choice.