Rangers Predicted to Acquire All-Star CJ Abrams in Blockbuster Trade

The Rangers could reunite Abrams with former Nationals teammate MacKenzie Gore in a high-impact deal.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the intensity and unpredictability of a blockbuster trade.A cubist interpretation of a high-stakes baseball trade that could reshape the American League landscape.Washington Today

The Texas Rangers are reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade for Washington Nationals star CJ Abrams, who has gotten off to a scorching start in 2026 with a .356 batting average, 6 home runs, and 4 stolen bases. Abrams, a former teammate of Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore, would provide a major boost to the Rangers' lineup as they look to contend in the wide-open American League West.

Why it matters

Adding an All-Star caliber player like Abrams could be a game-changer for the Rangers, who are looking to capitalize on the parity in the AL West. Reuniting Abrams with Gore, who the Rangers acquired earlier this offseason, could also help ease Abrams' transition to a new team.

The details

Abrams, 25, is off to a blistering start in 2026, hitting .356 with 6 home runs and 4 stolen bases in 16 games for the Nationals. He is already making $18 million in his career and will be due for a significant payday in the near future. The Rangers could look to slot Abrams at second or third base, potentially replacing underperforming players like Josh Jung or Josh Smith.

  • Abrams has played in 16 of the Nationals' 17 games so far in 2026.
  • The Rangers acquired pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Nationals earlier this offseason.

The players

CJ Abrams

A 25-year-old All-Star outfielder for the Washington Nationals who is off to a torrid start in 2026, hitting .356 with 6 home runs and 4 stolen bases.

MacKenzie Gore

A left-handed pitcher who was traded from the Nationals to the Rangers earlier this offseason.

Josh Jung

A Rangers infielder who has been a negative-WAR player so far in 2026, potentially opening up a spot for Abrams.

Josh Smith

Another Rangers infielder who has been a negative-WAR player so far in 2026, potentially opening up a spot for Abrams.

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What they’re saying

“To start 2026, CJ Abrams has played in 16 of the 17 games for the Nationals, and he has been red hot. In 59 at-bats, he has 21 hits, including six home runs, for a .356 batting average. He has also stolen four bases so far, and has been walked six times, showing great plate discipline. His on-base-plus-slugging percentage is 1.121, which is well above league average as it stands right now. If CJ keeps up his average and power, he will surely be an All-Star selection this year in Philadelphia.”

— Jeremy Hasson, Writer, District On Deck

“Early winners of the Brandon Nimmo-Marcus Semien swap, the Rangers are hoping to get back into the competitive fray. The American League is wide open right now and Abrams can move the needle considerably. The Rangers can move him to second or third, replacing either Josh Jung or Josh Smith, both of whom are negative-fWAR players so far this season. That would mitigate Abrams' defensive shortcomings. Meanwhile, Abrams batting cleanup behind Nimmo, Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager a mighty compelling concept.”

— Christopher Kline, Writer, FanSided

What’s next

If the Rangers pursue Abrams, it could mark another impactful move for the organization as they look to capitalize on the parity in the American League West.

The takeaway

The Rangers are exploring a blockbuster trade for Nationals star CJ Abrams, which would reunite him with former teammate MacKenzie Gore. Adding an All-Star caliber player like Abrams could be a game-changer for the Rangers as they look to contend in the wide-open AL West.