Nationals Explore Trades for Abrams and Gore

The Washington Nationals are actively exploring trades for All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams and left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore as they deepen their ongoing rebuild, with league sources indicating significant interest from multiple teams during the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.

Under new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, who took over after the midseason dismissal of former general manager Mike Rizzo, the Nationals have signaled openness to deals for the two players, both acquired in the 2022 trade that sent outfielder Juan Soto and first baseman Josh Bell to the San Diego Padres. Officials have informed other clubs that they will listen to offers, though the asking price remains steep for each. Two general managers expressed confidence Monday that trades for Abrams and Gore are likely to materialize soon, driven by the high cost of free-agent alternatives in a thin market.

Abrams, 25, enjoyed his most productive offensive season in 2025, batting .257 with 19 home runs, 31 stolen bases and a .748 on-base-plus-slugging percentage over 152 games. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2024 and followed with an even stronger showing at the plate the next...