Braves suddenly linked to trade for 25-year-old All-Star from NL East rival

Jon Conahan

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Braves suddenly linked to trade for 25-year-old All-Star from NL East rival image

If the Atlanta Braves want to find a shortstop in free agency or on the trade market, at least a starting-caliber one, it could come in a few different directions. 

When examining what that might look like, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic had some intriguing thoughts about a potential trade for CJ Abrams. 

While he questioned why the Washington Nationals would move on from him, it was interesting to hear about him potentially being available for Atlanta. 

“Free agent Bo Bichette also does not appear to be a possibility for Atlanta. Many teams, knowing Bichette’s defensive metrics are among the league’s worst, no longer view him as a shortstop,” he wrote.

“Would new Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni trade shortstop CJ Abrams and his three remaining years of control within the division? Would new Colorado Rockies boss Paul DePodesta give up one of his few quality players, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, when he is highly affordable at $54 million over the next five seasons, plus a $2.5 million buyout on a $23 million option for 2031?

Abrams would be great for the Braves

Abrams has been a tough player to evaluate throughout some of his career, but for the most part, he's been excellent. 

During his time with the Nationals, he even earned an All-Star nod during the 2024 campaign. 

Abrams has also proven that he can hit for some power, which some questioned about him coming up from the prospect ranks. 

With at least 18 home runs in each of the past three years, and still only being 25 years old, recently turning 25 in October of 2025, there's reason to believe he could be the long-term shortstop in Atlanta if it wants to go that direction.

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