The Texas Rangers, currently leading the AL West, are considering a trade for Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, who has a strong 1.024 OPS start to the 2026 season. This move aims to bolster their lineup amid the struggles of the Houston Astros.
Rangers trade idea lands Nationals All-Star amid hot 1.024 OPS start to 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Texas Rangers are in first place in the AL West at 9-7, and with the Houston Astros major struggles, the Rangers should look to capitalize on this season.
One way of going so would be adding some talent at the MLB trade deadline, or in the days, weeks, or even months leading up to it.
Fansided.com's Christopher Kline proposed a trade idea for the Rangers that would land a 1.024 OPS infielder from the Washington Nationals in shortstop CJ Abrams. While it might not be a clean fit with Corey Seager, the offensive upgrade would be worth it.
"Teams should be spamming the phone lines in D.C., hoping to get new GM Paul Toboni to fork over the former (and future) All-Star," Kline writes. "How about the Rangers, who already won the Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien swap with New York in the offseason and could now backfill his spot at second base?"
Abrams might be a shortstop, but he could easily move over to second base for the Rangers, giving them an incredible middle infield with Seager and Abrams.
Josh H. Smith is struggling a bit this season with a .180 batting average in 15 games played. Abrams, meanwhile, is playing the best ball he's ever played.
Through 15 games, the Nationals' 25-year-old shortstop, who is under club control for two more years, is hitting .327 with a 1.024 OPS.
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Abrams has five home runs, 17 RBIs, four stolen bases, six walks, only 10 strikeouts, 18 hits, and 11 runs scored with 0.9 bWAR already this season.
With the Rangers in need of more help on offense, adding someone like Abrams would be a great move to make. There's already familiarity between the two front offices from the MacKenzie Gore deal.
Why not make another big trade involving a player from the Juan Soto return? Abrams in Texas would be a great move, and Kline's idea would make a ton of sense for the Rangers as they look to return to the postseason.
CJ Abrams has a 1.024 OPS in the 2026 season.
The Rangers are looking to enhance their lineup as they lead the AL West and aim to capitalize on the Astros' struggles.
While CJ Abrams may not be a clean fit with Corey Seager, his offensive upgrade could significantly benefit the Rangers.
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