The Atlanta Braves might be in the market for another infielder this offseason after it was announced that Ha-Seong Kim will be sidelined for the next 4-5 months with a hand injury. Kim fell on ice in Korea and tore a tendon in his middle finger. This is a tough blow for Atlanta before the 2026 season has even started. However, could the Braves acquire an All-Star shortstop in CJ Abrams via trade?
MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds believes so, and he said on Hot Stove this morning that Atlanta should try to trade for CJ Abrams ahead of the season. Atlanta signed Jorge Mateo on Monday morning to help with infield depth, but adding Abrams would be a much bigger splash.
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Is CJ Abrams On the Trade Block?
In a recent article by Bleacher Report, CJ Abrams is named as “Maybe Gettable” at the shortstop position by writer Kerry Miller:
“After a flurry of Abrams and MacKenzie Gore chatter early in the offseason, it’s been all quiet on the Washington front since the winter meetings ended. But are the Nationals committed to keeping Abrams? Or are they just waiting for interest to pique again after Bo Bichette signs his contract and a couple of teams are forced to pivot to a different shortstop with terrible defensive metrics? If the Giants whiff on Bichette, maybe they offer up Bryce Eldridge for three years of Abrams at second base.”
CJ Abrams has become the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, especially because there are several new front office members in the Nationals organization, and Abrams might be a movable piece to help acquire more prospects to build around James Wood.
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Shortstop Has Been an Issue for the Braves
It took the Braves over 140 games in 2025 to receive a home run from a shortstop, and it came from Ha-Seong Kim, who was acquired in August off waivers.
The Braves believed Kim was a worthy candidate to play every day at short by signing him to a one-year, $20 million contract.
Atlanta also traded for Mauricio Dubon early in the offseason, and it appears he will be the Opening Day option for now, but CJ Abrams would be a vast improvement over Dubon and Jorge Mateo.
CJ Abrams had 20 home runs in 2024 en route to an All-Star Game appearance, and then hit another 19 last season over 144 games. He has back-to-back seasons of 30+ stolen bases as well.
He also just avoided arbitration, which means he is a cheap option at around $4 million per year and is controllable over the next couple of seasons.
If the Washington Nationals make CJ Abrams available, the Braves should at least inquire about what it would take to pull off a trade.
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