MLB Mock Trade Suggests Royals Could Land Nationals All-Star CJ Abrams
The Kansas City Royals have already made several notable moves this offseason, but a proposed blockbuster trade could take their roster to another level.
So far, Kansas City has extended third baseman Maikel Garcia and acquired outfielder Isaac Collins in a trade. Locking up Garcia early mirrors the strategy the team previously used with Bobby Witt Jr.—though on a smaller scale—before Witt established himself as one of baseball’s elite players. Meanwhile, the Collins deal added a young and controllable player to an outfield that has struggled in recent seasons.
However, more upgrades could still be on the table.
In a recent mock trade, Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report proposed a deal that would send All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals to Kansas City. In return, the Nationals would receive pitcher Noah Cameron and catching prospect Blake Mitchell.
Abrams Could Be a Strong Fit in Kansas City
Rymer pointed out that Abrams had previously been connected to the Royals, citing a December report from Jeff Passan of ESPN. With Witt firmly entrenched at shortstop and Garcia at third base, Abrams could shift to second base in Kansas City.
That position might suit him well defensively, and his ability to produce both power and speed—highlighted by his potential to deliver 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases—would give the Royals another dynamic offensive weapon.
What the Royals Would Give Up
The trade would require Kansas City to part with some promising talent. Cameron currently sits near the back end of the Royals’ rotation, and while losing him would impact the pitching staff, the team could potentially fill the role internally with options like Luinder Avila or Mitch Spence.
Mitchell’s path to playing time is also complicated. Veteran catcher Salvador Perez still anchors the position, while top prospect Carter Jensen is widely viewed as the eventual successor. That leaves Mitchell without a clear route to a regular role in Kansas City.
How Abrams Would Change the Lineup
If the deal happened, Abrams could step in as the Royals’ starting second baseman. That might push Jonathan India into a more flexible role as a bench player who could contribute as an infield backup, designated hitter, or even a platoon option in the outfield.
Ultimately, acquiring Abrams would give Kansas City a young, talented infield built around speed, athleticism, and offensive upside—potentially making it one of the more exciting groups in baseball.
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