CJ Abrams is making 1 notable demand this offseason

CJ Abrams appears to be hardlining the Washington Nationals.

The Nationals star infielder Abrams will only be signing an extension with the team this offseason if he receives “some degree of assurance” that he will be playing the shortstop position, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Friday. Morosi adds that it is more likely, in light of Abrams’ demand, that Washington ultimately trades Abrams instead of extending him.

Abrams, already a two-time MLB All-Star, is just entering his prime at 26 years old. He also had his best big-league season yet in 2026, batting .261 with 33 homers, 106 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases over 152 games for the Nationals.

But Abrams is now facing an uncertain long-term future in Washington. Though he is still technically under club control for two more full seasons, the Nationals would likely want to maximize their return and trade Abrams as soon as possible if they cannot sign him to a longer-term contract extension.

As for Abrams’ defensive situation, he is already a primary shortstop and has played there for 622 of his 641 career starts up to this point. But Washington briefly transitioned Abrams to second base late last season, and they also have elite shortstop prospects Seaver King, 23, and Eli Willits, 18, waiting in the minor leagues.

If Abrams becomes available for trade, he will immediately function as one of the most highly-coveted infield targets in baseball. For one, Abrams has already been linked to at least one powerhouse team in recent months.