Red Sox Acquire All-Star Infielder from Nationals in Trade

Boston shores up middle infield with CJ Abrams in exchange for pitching prospects

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Red Sox have acquired All-Star infielder CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals in a trade that sends left-handed pitcher Connelly Early and right-handed pitcher Kyon Witherspoon to the nation's capital. The move helps Boston address a need in the middle infield as they look to bounce back from a quick postseason exit last season.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have been active this offseason, making several key trades and signings to bolster their roster. Acquiring Abrams, a rising star, gives them a much-needed boost in the middle infield and helps shore up a position of weakness. For the Nationals, the trade nets them a potential ace in Early as well as a promising young pitching prospect in Witherspoon.

The details

In the trade, the Red Sox send left-handed pitcher Connelly Early and right-handed pitcher Kyon Witherspoon, Boston's first-round draft pick in 2025, to the Nationals in exchange for infielder CJ Abrams. Early could step in as the ace of Washington's staff in 2026, while Witherspoon is several years away from making an impact at the major league level.

  • The trade was completed on January 29, 2026.

The players

CJ Abrams

An All-Star infielder who has been a key part of the Washington Nationals' lineup in recent seasons.

Connelly Early

A left-handed pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization who could become the ace of the Nationals' staff in 2026.

Kyon Witherspoon

A right-handed pitching prospect who was the Boston Red Sox's first-round draft pick in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While Boston has about a dozen options for its starting rotation at this point, its middle infield situation remains highly suspect. Witherspoon was their first-round pick this past summer, several years away from making any sort of impact in the majors. But Early could be the ace of Washington's staff in 2026.”

— Kerry Miller

What’s next

The trade is still pending league approval, but if finalized, it would give the Red Sox a much-needed boost in the middle infield as they look to bounce back in 2026.

The takeaway

This trade represents a win-win for both the Red Sox and Nationals, as Boston shores up a position of need while Washington acquires a potential ace and a promising young pitching prospect. It's the latest in a series of aggressive moves by the Red Sox this offseason as they aim to return to the playoffs.