Yankees’ perfect trade offer for Nationals’ CJ Abrams

While the New York Yankees try to decide whether to trade a rookie, they’re getting great performances from another youngster. And one of those guys could be part of the Yankees’ perfect trade offer to the Nationals for standout shortstop CJ Abrams.

The Yankees are basically in a dead heat with the Rays, a few percentage points behind in the AL East. And those two teams are one and two for the best record in the American League.

Clearly, the Yankees are on a path toward the World Series. But they could sure use the addition of a bat like the one Abrams brings to the plate.

Why do the Yankees need CJ Abrams?

Jose Cabellero and Anthony Volpe are trying to get things done at shortstop. But Abrams would be a major upgrade over both of them.

Check out what he brings to the table, according to MLB.com. The statistics are eye-popping, but there’s even more, according to MLB.com.

“Abrams was a topic of trade buzz during the offseason, and his All-Star-caliber performance has heightened his trade value,” Jessica Camerato wrote. “Abrams, 25, has an enticing contract situation: He is arbitration eligible for two more seasons after this year. Among National League shortstops, Abrams entered Sunday ranked first in home runs, RBIs, wRC+, wOBA, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.”

So the Yankees would be getting one of the best players in baseball. At least in terms of this year’s production to date. Plus, they get a friendly contract situation.

The Nationals, of course, know this. That’s why the asking price will be kicked up quite high.

For now, the Yankees are debating whether Cabellero or Volpe is the 2026 answer, according to Talkin’ Yanks via Yahoo.

“I certainly believe there’s a way that, you know, for those guys to coexist and bring different skill sets that, you know, help us win,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “(Caballero’s) versatility kind of serves as Volpe’s versatility, too, you know, because (Caballero), you can put anywhere when they’re both on the field together.

“You know, where the open spot is, you can move (Caballero) real easy because he’s so experienced in so many different spots.”

But if Abrams arrived, the debate ends. And the Yankees’ lineup soars. That’s especially true when Aaron Judge returns.

What would the Yankees’ perfect offer be?

Conventional wisdom might say the discussions begin with recently promoted Spencer Jones. However, there’s enough swing-and-miss baggage with Jones to make the Nationals balk at him being the centerpiece. Jones is a polarizing prospect, according to MLB.com.

“Jones has at least plus-plus raw power but also huge contact issues that led to alarming strikeout (35 percent) and swing-and-miss (42 percent) rates in 2025,” MLB.com wrote. “His combination of bat speed and the strength and leverage in his huge 6-foot-7, 240-pound frame allows him to drive balls out of any part of any ballpark.

“And he launched balls more than ever last season. But he also has a naturally long left-handed swing, chases too many pitches, and also has trouble consistently putting strikes in play. His struggles against upper-level southpaws last year (.189 average, 43 percent K rate) also are worrisome.”

Instead, the perfect trade offer would be two big-time prospects. The Yankees would need to part with top prospect George Lombard Jr. and pitching sensation Carlos Lagrange.

What do George Lombard Jr. and Carlos Lagrange bring to the table?

Lombard has contact issues, but still has a big ceiling, according to MLB.com.

“Despite an efficient right-handed swing and a patient approach, Lombard has persistent issues making contact against in-zone fastballs,” MLB.com wrote. “Though he may not hit for a high average, he does draw enough walks (87 last year, the 13th-most in the Minors) to fuel healthy on-base percentages. He has the bat speed and growing strength to produce more power than most shortstops, and he started driving balls in the air more than ever in 2025.

“Lombard developed a high baseball IQ growing up around the game, and he plays even quicker than his solid speed on the bases and in the field. He’s a potential 25-25 guy with fluid actions, range to both sides, quick hands, and solid arm strength at shortstop. A reliable defender who committed just seven errors in 111 starts there last season, he also played well in brief action at second and third base.”

As for Lagrange, he could be a front-line starter because of his triple-digit fastball, according to MLB.com.

“Lagrange stands out most with a fastball that parks at 97-99 mph and peaks at 103 with carry and armside run,” MLB.com wrote. “But he’s also capable of missing bats with three secondary pitches that can be devastating at times. He relies heavily on a sweeping mid-80s slider, though his upper-80s cutter and low-90s changeup with depth and fade actually were more effective in 2025.

“He’s 6-foot-7 but doesn’t create notable extension in his upright delivery. And he has such a quick arm and long limbs that he doesn’t always keep them in sync. He has the stuff to pitch in the front of a rotation if he can continue to add polish.”

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