Dodgers’ perfect trade offer for Nationals’ CJ Abrams

The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t have big worries, despite a brutal recent loss. And they look as explosive as ever at times. But they still might need to make a trade. Here is their perfect trade offer to the Nationals for CJ Abrams.

The 25-year-old Abrams has been a star for the Nationals this season. He has totaled 14 homers with 49 RBIs while also adding nine steals. Also, he has greatly improved his on-base percentage. He sports a mark of .380, which is over 60 points higher than his career average.

There’s little doubt that Abrams would give the Dodgers a big lineup boost.

Should the Dodgers go deep to get SS CJ Abrams?

One immediate factor in this type of deal is Abrams’ age. He appears to be just scratching the surface. There’s a possibility the five-year veteran could blossom into a superstar. He has already basically been a lock for close to 20 homers and over 30 steals in his young career.

Getting Abrams will cost the Dodgers, prospect-wise. But he’s affordable right now, according to MLB.com.

“Abrams was a topic of trade buzz during the offseason, and his All-Star-caliber performance has heightened his trade value,” Jessica Camerato wrote. “Abrams, 25, has an enticing contract situation: He is arbitration eligible for two more seasons after this year. Among National League shortstops, Abrams entered Sunday ranked first in home runs, RBIs, wRC+, wOBA, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.”

It sure looks like the type of player the Dodgers should pursue.

Of course, not everybody is convinced the National should move him, according to The Athletic.

“Through development at the major league level, the Nats can find wins without making roster moves,” Barry Svrluga wrote. “What if Wood is a six- or even seven-win player? What if Abrams is worth five or six wins? (Or) what if Young — who has more home runs (eight) in his first 211 plate appearances this season than he did in the first 1,006 PAs of his career (five) — is a three-win player?

“If those developments continue, the Nationals are finding wins without overhauling the roster. Part of (President of Baseball Operations Paul) Toboni’s challenge is restocking the system, and that will begin with July’s draft. There’s just no reason the talent on hand can’t simultaneously get better as the system does.

“Real success could be closer than originally predicted. CJ Abrams is one reason why. Keep him around to find out what’s possible.”

OK, Dodgers. Your move. What’s the price you’re willing to pay to convince the Nationals to ignore calls to keep Abrams?

Dodgers must send three prospects to the Nationals

This has to be a big deal. The Dodgers will have to send their No. 1 prospect, outfielder Josue De Paula. Also, they will need to include an infielder and a starting pitcher.

De Paula has a vibe like Yordan Alvarez, according to MLB.com.

“De Paula draws comparisons to a slightly smaller but more athletic version of Yordan Alvarez, thanks to his precocious combination of swing decisions and exit velocities,” MLB.com wrote. “He offered at just 14 percent of pitches outside the strike zone last season — by comparison, Juan Soto led the Majors with a 16 percent rate — and is supremely comfortable working deep counts in order to find pitches he can punish.

“His sweet left-handed stroke produces hard contact to all fields that should translate into 30 homers per season and perhaps more if he learns to drive balls in the air more consistently.”

So, for a moment, Nationals fans, imagine De Paula in the lineup with James Wood. That’s a great starting point.

The Dodgers would also need to send shortstop Emil Morales. He’s just 19 years old, but he has a ton of potential, according to MLB.com.

“Morales is more physical and hits the ball much harder than most teenagers, and he could have well-above-average power once he’s a finished product,” MLB.com wrote. “He already displays aptitude for lifting and pulling the ball, and while he looks to do damage, he keeps his approach under control.

“Morales moves well for his size — 6-foot-3 and at least 15 pounds stronger than his listed 191 — and is an aggressive runner with average speed. He’s not the rangiest shortstop, but moves well and puts himself in position to make plays.”

The final piece doesn’t have to be a frontline starter. The two hitters do the heavy lifting in this deal. A good throw-in would be Cam Leiter. He’s more of a project because of injuries and control issues, according to MLB.com.

“Besides his health, the biggest question with Leiter is whether he can provide enough strikes to remain a starter,” MLB.com wrote. “More physical than athletic, he operates from an upright delivery that lacks deception and carried a 15 percent walk rate in college. He comes with a lot of risk but also has a huge ceiling and was back throwing in the mid-90s and reaching triple digits during the offseason.”

This is a deal that the Dodgers should strongly consider. It’s not a need, per se. But it’s more of a thumb-your-nose move toward the rest of MLB.