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The Washington Nationals have been a surprise contender this season, as they're 2.0 games back in the NL Wild Card at 50-50 on the season.
Since the team is close to a postseason spot, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if they weren't selling.
But, when it comes to CJ Abrams, now might be the time to part with the All-Star shortstop.
As MLB.com's Mark Feinsand highlighted, there is a simple reason why the 2026 MLB trade deadline might be the best time to part with Abrams.
With his years of control, a seller's market, and if there's no extension, Abrams makes sense to trade away.
Why 2026 deadline might be time for Nats to trade CJ Abrams "The Nationals could look to extend the 25-year-old shortstop to make him a core piece for years to come," Feinsand writes, "but if they don't believe such an extension is in the cards, there's an argument to be made that this is the time to trade Abrams." This season, Abrams has 3.0 bWAR with 21 homers and 99 hits with a .277 batting average and an .869 OPS.
He earned his second All-Star nod this season and continued his development as a star infielder.
Abrams is also under club control through the 2028 season, giving the Nationals 2.5 years of club control.
However, that club control is a big reason why the Nationals might strongly consider trading Abrams.
If they can't work out an extension, trading him now would make a ton of sense.
Abrams is having the best season of his career, and his value is at its peak.
But, more importantly, if the 2027 season is lost, or the majority of it is due to the CBA negotiations, then the Nationals would lose a pivotal season with Abrams.
MORE: Phillies would love to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver Then, if the Nationals want to trade him after 2027, his value would be a lot lower as a one-year rental.
His value won't be greater than it is now, so if they ever consider moving him, now is the time to do it.
It would sting to part with Abrams, but if they can't reach an agreement on a contract extension, Washington probably won't have another chance to get such a massive return that Abrams will command this summer.
They could land a compensatory draft pick for losing Abrams in free agency, but compared to what they could get in a trade this summer, it would be a paltry return.
Trading Abrams might not be a popular move, but if the Nationals can't come to terms on a long-term deal, and the team falters a bit over these next few weeks before the deadline, then the expected strong offers for Abrams should be seriously considered.
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Twins series amid trade interest in three players - MLB execs believe Padres will trade Mason Miller at trade deadline.