Here’s a bold statement: The Washington Nationals are in the midst of a strategic overhaul, and it’s sparking conversations that could reshape the team’s future. But here’s where it gets controversial—are they making the right moves by shopping CJ Abrams and Jacob Young, two players who could be pivotal to their long-term success? Let’s dive in.
Paul Toboni, in his first offseason at the helm of the Nationals’ baseball operations, made waves with a significant trade. The team sent MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers in exchange for a five-prospect package headlined by Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick from last year. Earlier in the offseason, they also traded high-upside reliever Jose A. Ferrer to the Mariners for rookie catcher Harry Ford. These moves signal a clear focus on rebuilding, though Toboni tactfully avoids using that term directly. Instead, he emphasizes the need for honesty and a strong foundation. “We lost 96 games last year,” he admitted to reporters. “Turning it around in one year is a challenge, but we want to build something sustainable so that when we’re ready to compete, we can win for years to come.”
And this is the part most people miss—while the Nationals are clearly in rebuild mode, their approach to trading veteran players like CJ Abrams and Jacob Young is far from straightforward. Abrams, a talented shortstop, has been a topic of trade rumors throughout the offseason. Reports from The Washington Post confirm the Nationals have been shopping him, alongside center fielder Jacob Young. But here’s the twist: the Nationals aren’t just listening to offers—they’re demanding a high price, especially for Abrams. Why? Because he’s under team control for three more years, making him a valuable asset compared to Gore, who had only two years of arbitration eligibility left.
Abrams, 25, is a former top prospect with a solid track record. Over the past two seasons, he’s hit .252/.315/.433 with 39 home runs and 62 stolen bases. While his defense at shortstop leaves much to be desired—he’s committed 39 errors in the past two years—he could be a better fit at second base or even center field. Despite his flaws, Abrams is an above-average player with All-Star potential, and teams like the Royals, Giants, Red Sox, Mariners, and Padres could be interested. But here’s the question: Are the Nationals asking too much for a player who hasn’t yet reached his ceiling?
Jacob Young, on the other hand, hasn’t generated as much trade buzz. At 26, he’s an elite defensive center fielder with years of affordable control, but his offensive numbers are underwhelming. He hit just .231/.296/.287 last season and has a career batting line of .247/.310/.316. However, his defensive prowess—highlighted by 20 Outs Above Average in 2024—makes him an attractive option for teams seeking a reliable glove in center field. Teams that can’t afford top free agents like Harrison Bader might see Young as a cost-effective alternative. But is his defense enough to justify a trade, or will his lack of offensive production hold him back?
The Nationals aren’t in a rush to trade Young, especially with prospects like Dylan Crews waiting in the wings. Yet, with a thin center field market, teams like the Diamondbacks, Guardians, and Royals could be potential suitors. The question remains: Will the Nationals pull the trigger, or will they hold onto Young as part of their long-term plan?
As the Nationals continue to rebuild, these decisions will shape their future. What do you think? Are they making the right moves, or are they risking too much by shopping Abrams and Young? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
