Rich Get Richer In Latest Dodgers Trade Prediction

Los Angeles Dodgers haters will despise a new prediction from Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly.

Kelly envisioned the Dodgers trading for Washington Nationals star shortstop CJ Abrams this coming season before the trade deadline.

“Don’t shoot the messenger, but five years after Andrew Friedman swung a massive trade that allowed him to acquire Trea Turner from the Nationals, he’ll again land another gifted middle infielder from Washington,” Kelly wrote on Monday.

“Paul Toboni—the new president of baseball operations in D.C.—seems to be tearing things down to the studs, as evidenced by the deal sending ace MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers last week. Washington’s pitching was already bad, and without Gore, they look like a club headed for 100 losses in 2026.”

“If that indeed plays out, the Nationals will be one of the obvious sellers at the trade deadline,” Kelly continued. “Shortstop CJ Abrams will naturally be a piece many teams have interest in, because he’s flashed star potential, but hasn’t reached his ceiling consistently.”

“Still, he posts consistently—he’s had 600-plus plate appearances in three consecutive seasons—and is still only 25. Considering he won’t be eligible to become a free agent until after the 2028 season, contenders will believe they can unlock him, both as a player and in terms of being a more mature human. Before they signed Kyle Tucker, there was some thought the Dodgers could be a candidate to do a short-term, big-money deal with Bo Bichette to play second base and/or shortstop.”

“Obviously, once the Dodgers signed Tucker, Bichette joined the New York Mets,” Kelly added. “Still, middle infield questions remain for Los Angeles, at least relative to other spots on baseball’s most loaded roster.”

“If the Dodgers traded for Abrams, he could take over at shortstop and push Mookie Betts—who is now 33—to the less stressful position of second base. Or the Dodgers could keep Betts at shortstop and have Abrams, he of the minus-45 career outs above average at shortstop, over to second base.”

Abrams continued to build on his reputation as a versatile offensive threat during the 2025 MLB season. In 144 games, he posted a .257 batting average with 19 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases, showcasing his blend of power and agility on the bases.

Abrams spent time on the injured list with a hip flexor strain but returned to action, demonstrating resilience in a campaign where he achieved a 3.4 WAR. On the road, he excelled with a .288 average and 15 homers over 319 plate appearances, adding value in key situations. Despite a dip in production over the final months, where he batted .228 with seven homers, his overall output marked another step forward in consistency.

Abrams’ career trajectory began with high expectations after being selected sixth overall by the San Diego Padres in the 2019 draft. He debuted in 2022, splitting time between the Padres and Nationals following a blockbuster trade for Juan Soto. Over four seasons through 2025, Abrams has accumulated 523 games, hitting .249 with 59 homers, 210 RBIs, and 116 stolen bases across 1,968 at-bats.

His 10.3 career WAR reflects growing impact, particularly after earning his first All-Star nod in 2024. From his early days as a top prospect known for elite speed and contact skills to his current role as a leadoff staple, Abrams has evolved into a player with 20-homer, 30-steal potential annually.