RED SOX TRADE IDEA SEES TEAM ADD ALL-STAR SLUGGER FROM NATIONALS

By Drew VonScio
Published: January 28, 2026, at 12:08 PM EST

As the start of spring training looms just over two weeks away, the Boston Red Sox still find themselves in need of a reliable infielder to complete their roster for the 2026 season. After failing to secure Alex Bregman in free agency, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. With free agency and trade markets still brimming with talent, Boston has a number of options, but one potential solution has emerged from the nation’s capital: All-Star infielder C.J. Abrams.

The Red Sox’s Infield Dilemma

The Red Sox’s infield situation has been in flux for much of the offseason. While the team has bolstered its outfield and pitching staff with a series of moves, the middle infield remains an area of concern. With less than a month to go before spring training begins, Boston has yet to land a player who can help stabilize this crucial position.

After an unsuccessful bid for Bregman, the Red Sox have had to explore alternative avenues. That’s where the idea of acquiring C.J. Abrams from the Washington Nationals comes into play. According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, Abrams could find a new home at the hot corner in Boston’s lineup—a position that has been a question mark for the team throughout the offseason.

C.J. Abrams: The Potential Impact Player for Boston

Abrams, a former top prospect in the Padres’ system, has blossomed into a formidable All-Star caliber infielder for the Nationals. Last season, he posted impressive numbers, hitting 19 home runs and driving in 60 RBIs. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a valuable asset, and his experience playing in a struggling Washington lineup only highlights his potential in a more potent Red Sox offense.

While Abrams has shown promise at shortstop, the Red Sox would likely slot him at third base, providing them with a much-needed power bat in the lineup. The added protection of Boston’s powerful hitters could make Abrams even more dangerous at the plate, as pitchers would no longer be able to pitch around him, as they did in Washington.

In the 2025 season, despite playing on a less-than-ideal Nationals team, Abrams demonstrated his potential to perform at a high level. His solid bat and strong defensive skills would immediately bolster Boston’s infield, making him an intriguing target for the Red Sox this offseason.

The Trade Package: What the Red Sox Would Give Up

In return for Abrams, the Red Sox would have to part ways with two promising young arms: left-handed pitcher Connelly Early and right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon. While both players have potential, they are still a few years away from contributing at the major league level.

Early, who was drafted by the Red Sox in 2025, has the potential to develop into a key arm in any rotation, but for now, he is more of a project. On the other hand, Witherspoon, who was Boston’s first-round pick last summer, is still several years away from making an impact. While his ceiling is high, he would likely not make an immediate impact for the Nationals in 2026.

For the Nationals, this trade package presents a solid opportunity to build for the future. Early could be groomed into Washington’s ace, while Witherspoon offers significant upside in the long term. The Nationals are in a rebuilding phase, and acquiring high-upside prospects like Early and Witherspoon would align well with their current trajectory.

How This Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams

For the Red Sox, the addition of Abrams would provide immediate help at third base, a position that has been up in the air for much of the offseason. Abrams’ power and consistency at the plate would significantly strengthen a Boston lineup that already includes established stars like Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez. His versatility and ability to hold his own on defense would also be a valuable asset to the Red Sox, especially as they prepare for what promises to be a competitive season in the American League East.

For the Nationals, this trade is all about the future. With Abrams being an established Major Leaguer, Washington could afford to part with him in exchange for two highly-touted prospects. Early and Witherspoon could both contribute to the team in a few years, giving the Nationals a solid foundation for their rebuilding effort. Adding more young talent would provide them with the building blocks needed to eventually return to contention.

What Abrams Brings to the Red Sox: A Complete Package

Not only does Abrams provide a power bat that could help the Red Sox make a deep postseason push, but his overall versatility would make him a key part of their long-term plans. He has the ability to play multiple positions, including shortstop and second base, but his power at third base would allow the Red Sox to round out their infield with a consistent threat in the middle of the order.

His presence in Boston would also ease the pressure on young talents like Marcelo Mayer, who has shown great promise but still needs time to develop into a consistent starter. With Abrams as a stabilizing force in the infield, the Red Sox could focus on strengthening other areas of the team, like their pitching depth and outfield rotation.

The Road Ahead for Both Teams

As spring training approaches, the Red Sox still have time to make moves, and adding a player like Abrams would solidify their infield for the 2026 season. Whether the deal goes through or not remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the Red Sox have options and will likely make more moves before the season begins.

For the Nationals, trading Abrams would signal a continued focus on the future. They may not be in a position to contend in 2026, but building a strong farm system with players like Early and Witherspoon could pay off down the road.

This potential trade is a win-win for both teams: the Red Sox get an immediate power boost at third base, and the Nationals continue to build for their future with promising young talent. As we approach spring training, all eyes will be on the Red Sox to see if they pull the trigger on this deal and add a game-changing player like C.J. Abrams to their roster.

This version expands on the original trade idea by providing more detailed analysis, insights, and potential implications for both teams. It also adds context about each player’s abilities and how this trade could shape the future for both the Red Sox and the Nationals. Let me know if you’d like to modify anything!