Royals reportedly discussing trade with Nationals involving star players

The Kansas City Royals still have plenty of work to do on their roster. An unexpected trade could be the beginning of a domino effect.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Friday that the Royals and Washington Nationals have discussed a trade involving shortstop CJ Abrams and pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Passan noted that a deal is not close, but it does show the Royals' efforts to improve their roster.

Acquiring Abrams and Gore would be an interesting pivot for the Royals. Abrams posted a solid .257/.315/.433 batting line with 19 homers and 35 doubles while stealing 31 bases. Gore was a slightly below-average pitcher in 2025 (98 ERA+ - league average is 100), posting a 4.17 ERA and a 1.353 WHiP over his 159.2 innings, striking out 185 batters with 64 walks.

MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams could lead to other moves for Kansas City Royals

Neither Abrams nor Gore would appear to be an easy fit on the Royals roster. Bobby Witt Jr. is entrenched at short, a position Abrams has played exclusively since the start of the 2022 season. Likewise, the Royals have an excess of starting pitching, making Gore an unlikely trade target.

However, Abrams and Gore could lead to other trades. The Royals have considered improving the outfield a priority, with general manager J.J. Picollo alluding to the possibility of a multi-team trade. Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is a known target for the Royals, making a three-team deal involving the Nationals a possibility.

Abrams could fill another hole for the Royals as well. He is expected to eventually be moved to another position, as he has been mediocre at best defensively at short. Abrams made 13 appearances at second for the Padres in 2021, giving him some familiarity with the position. However, that solution could make incumbent second baseman Jonathan India an expensive bench option.

Gore, meanwhile, could help minimize the impact of the Royals trading one of their young starters. If the Royals are going to acquire Duran, they may need to send one of the pitchers, like Cole Ragans and Noah Cameron, to Boston. While Gore does not have a proven track record of success, his fly-ball tendencies could play well in Kauffman Stadium. 

The Kansas City Royals are reportedly interested in CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. Any trade could be the start of a series of moves to improve the roster.