Here’s a bold statement: The Washington Nationals are at a crossroads, and their decisions this offseason could reshape the franchise for years to come. But here’s where it gets controversial—are they making the right moves by shopping CJ Abrams and Jacob Young? Let’s dive in.
Paul Toboni, in his first offseason at the helm of the Nationals’ baseball operations, has already made waves. His most significant move? Shipping MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers for a five-prospect package headlined by last year’s 12th overall pick, Gavin Fien. This wasn’t the only deal, though. Early in the offseason, Washington also traded high-upside reliever Jose A. Ferrer to the Mariners for rookie catcher Harry Ford. These moves signal a clear strategy: the Nationals are rebuilding, even if Toboni avoids using that term outright.
‘We’ve got to be honest with ourselves,’ Toboni told reporters after the Gore trade. ‘We lost 96 games last year. Turning it around in one year and making the playoffs? It’s a challenge. What we’re focused on is building a strong foundation so that when we’re ready to compete, we can win consistently.’
And this is the part most people miss—the Nationals aren’t just looking to flip veterans for prospects; they’re strategically evaluating who fits into their long-term vision. That brings us to CJ Abrams and Jacob Young, both of whom have been shopped around this winter, according to reports from The Washington Post.
Abrams, a talented infielder, has drawn interest from teams like the Royals, though the Nationals’ asking price remains high. Why? Because Abrams is under team control for three more years, making him a valuable asset. While he’s been an above-average hitter—batting .252/.315/.433 with 39 homers and 62 stolen bases over the past two seasons—his defensive struggles at shortstop are hard to ignore. With 39 errors in the last two years, mostly on throws, Abrams might be better suited for second base or even center field. But here’s the kicker: despite his flaws, Abrams is just 25, a former top prospect with All-Star potential. Should the Nationals trade him now, or hold on and hope he reaches his ceiling?
Jacob Young, on the other hand, hasn’t generated as much buzz. Overshadowed by bigger names, Young is a defensive standout with an elite glove and years of affordable control. At 26, he’s at least four years from free agency and has proven himself as one of the best defensive center fielders in the game. In 2024, he led MLB outfielders with 20 Outs Above Average and posted +13 Defensive Runs Saved last season. The catch? His bat leaves much to be desired, with a career .247/.310/.316 line and minimal power. Still, in a thin center field market, teams like the Diamondbacks, Guardians, and Royals could see him as a cost-effective alternative to free agents like Harrison Bader.
So, what’s the right move for the Nationals? Trading Abrams could net them a significant return, but it’s a gamble on their ability to contend by 2028. Young, meanwhile, could be a placeholder in center field while prospects like Dylan Crews develop. But here’s the real question: Are the Nationals undervaluing what they already have, or are they wisely cashing in on assets that don’t fit their timeline?
What do you think? Should the Nationals hold onto Abrams and Young, or is it time to cash in? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
