The 2026 MLB trade deadline is coming in hot, and the biggest bombshell dropped already: CJ Abrams, the National League’s starting shortstop in this year’s All-Star Game, might be on the move. Seriously, the Washington Nationals are “not shopping” their two-time All-Star, but The Athletic just dropped the report that they *will* “listen” to trade offers. Are you kidding me? This dude is having an absolutely ridiculous season, arguably his best ever, and he’s locked up through 2028. This isn’t some rental, this is a cornerstone piece!
Abrams’ Unstoppable Season Puts The League On Notice
How good is Abrams this year? Through 100 games, he’s crushed 24 homers, driven in 76 runs, and swiped 16 bases. We’re talking a .288/.361/.544 slash line, a 148 OPS+, and a 3.9 WAR. Wanna talk about leading the league? He’s at the top of all MLB shortstops in home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage (.544), and OPS (.905). That’s dominance. And the Nationals? They’re sitting at 52-52, only three games out of the third NL wild-card spot behind Arizona. This isn’t a dead team, but they’re still weighing moving an All-Star with stats like that. The New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers are already sniffing around, which makes total sense for teams looking to make a deep run. This is the kind of move that can define a season for a contender, and it’s wild that Washington is even considering it given their record.
Angels Are Selling Off The Farm, Yankees Want Another Ace
Meanwhile, down in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels are waving the white flag, big time. With the worst record in the American League at 41-62, ESPN reports they’re “very open to trading controllable players if the right offers materialize.” We’re talking about legitimate arms like starting pitchers José Soriano and Reid Detmers, both under contract through 2028. Soriano’s got a 3.43 ERA and 122 strikeouts over 118 innings in 21 starts, while Detmers posts a 4.05 ERA and 136 Ks over 120 innings in 21 starts. Then there’s their shortstop Zach Neto, who’s under contract through 2029. He’s leading the AL with 69 runs scored, plus 19 homers and 46 RBIs, rocking a 117 OPS+. Yeah, he leads the AL with 141 strikeouts too, but the power and run production are real.
And speaking of players teams want, word on the street is the Yankees are absolutely ready to pounce on Padres’ flame-throwing closer Mason Miller if he becomes available. No official word from San Diego yet on whether they’re selling or buying, but you know the Yankees want that kind of heat in their bullpen. Even veteran Dallas Keuchel is trying to get back in the game, signing a minor-league deal with the A’s after last pitching in MLB in 2024. The 38-year-old southpaw, a Cy Young winner and five-time Gold Glover, is headed to Triple-A to see if he can help an Oakland rotation that’s currently 29th in MLB with a 5.22 ERA.
The next few days leading up to the deadline are gonna be a rollercoaster. With big names potentially on the move, these decisions could reshape the entire league’s power dynamic. Keep those notifications on, because anything can happen.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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