As the 2026 MLB season draws near with spring training on the horizon, the Boston Red Sox are being encouraged to pursue a significant acquisition to enhance their roster. The team, which has actively engaged in trades this offseason by securing players like Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, is now advised to consider a deal for Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams as a strategic reinforcement.
Earlier this offseason, the San Francisco Giants attempted to trade for Abrams, but that potential deal fell through, according to a report by Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic on January 23, citing a major-league source. Despite this setback, the Nationals appear open to trading Abrams, prompting former MLB general manager Steve Phillips to suggest the Red Sox should quickly act to acquire him.
Strategic Advantage in Targeting CJ Abrams
Steve Phillips has emphasized the value Abrams could provide, particularly at second base, for Boston. In a February 3 interview shared by MLB Network Radio, Phillips stated,
“The Red Sox need to pivot, call the Washington Nationals, Paul Toboni, who left Boston, and go get CJ Abrams to play second base,”
and added,
“That’s the move for the Boston Red Sox. He’ll be a great second baseman. He’s a bad shortstop. He’ll be a very good second baseman. That’s the move they need to make right now.”
Since debuting with Washington in 2022, Abrams has compiled a batting average of .250, with 461 hits, 57 home runs, 199 RBIs, and 271 runs scored across 477 games, according to StatMuse. This performance provides a promising foundation, making him an attractive option for Boston’s infield adjustments.
Why Abrams Fits Boston’s Immediate Needs
Following the departure of Alex Bregman, who left Boston after just one season to join the Chicago Cubs, the Red Sox have sought alternatives for their lineup. Phillips notes that Boston was interested in several key players—including Bo Bichette, Eugenio Suárez, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan—but was unable to complete those acquisitions. He believes Abrams represents a practical next step.
Phillips elaborated,
“[The Red Sox] were in on Bregman,”
and continued,
“They were in on [Bo] Bichette [and] were in on Eugenio [Suárez]. They were in on [Nolan] Arenado [and] were in on [Brendan] Donovan. Didn’t get any of them. Now go get C.J. Abrams; play him at second base. You’ve got protection if you need it at shortstop.”
He further highlighted the importance of existing relationships in facilitating such trades, mentioning Paul Toboni’s connection with Boston’s front office, saying,
“That’s where I go next. You’ve got a connection there like Chaim Bloom has had with the Red Sox. Toboni has that relationship with the Red Sox, too. He knows who he likes, what he wants. I think relationships matter in these deals, and I think that’s the next pivot for Boston.”
Willson Contreras Prepares for High-Stakes Rivalry
In addition to potential moves involving Abrams, Willson Contreras has emerged as a new and important member of the Red Sox following his trade from the St. Louis Cardinals. Contreras is expected to play a key role in the heated Red Sox-New York Yankees rivalry, a matchup he is eager to embrace with determination and intensity.
Speaking with NESN in mid-January, Contreras said,
“I think I’m looking forward to that,”
and explained,
“Whenever I played the Yankees with the Cubs or St. Louis, my mindset was different. I was like, we have to win. And now that we have to win, we have to play really good baseball.”
He acknowledged the strength of the Yankees but made it clear his competitive spirit will dominate, stating,
“I know the Yankees are a really good team, and they have good players, but I’m not coming to Boston just to like the Yankees, because that’s not going to happen. They’re probably going to start hating me whenever we play against each other. But I’m going to play with fire. I’m going to play with emotions and show them that we can win.”
As the Red Sox prepare for a new season with key players like Contreras and a possible CJ Abrams acquisition, the team appears focused on reinforcing its lineup to compete strongly both within its division and in high-profile games against the Yankees. The ability to secure Abrams and integrate him effectively could prove to be a defining move for Boston ahead of the 2026 campaign.
"PIVOT!" – @StevePhillipsGM to the @RedSox (probably).
🔗 https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/Irqx63Smj2
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 3, 2026
Willson Contreras was asked about joining The Rivalry™️…
"I'm not coming to Boston just to like the Yankees. That's not gonna happen. They're probably gonna start hating me when we play against each other." 😈 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DjXPvs3uWO
— NESN (@NESN) January 14, 2026
