The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again expected to be buyers during the MLB trade deadline. They are 34-20 and in first place in the National League West, going into a Tuesday match-up against the Colorado Rockies.
Despite their $300 million payroll, the Dodgers have several areas that could use a boost. That includes the middle infield, which, beyond Mookie Betts, has struggled to add much star power to a lineup riddled with Hall of Fame-caliber players.
While there are a handful of players Los Angeles could target, Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly writes that one option would be disastrous for the rest of the league.
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"Even if future Hall of Famer Mookie Betts heats up at some point this year, the Dodgers still probably are a middle infielder short with an upgrade likely needed over any combination of Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland and Miguel Rojas," Kelly wrote. "The nightmare scenario for the rest of the league would be if Friedman is able to pry the aforementioned [CJ] Abrams away from the Nationals, either to play shortstop or second base."
Abrams has been among the most productive players during the 2026 MLB season. In 54 games, he has accumulated 198 at-bats, 57 hits, 12 home runs, 45 RBIs and 34 runs scored. The one-time All-Star is also slashing .288/.379/.545 with a .924 OPS.
Mainly a shortstop, he does have some experience at second base. He's recorded 66 innings at the spot and produced a .946 fielding percentage.
Originally a member of the San Diego Padres, Abrams was shipped off to Washington as part of the Juan Soto trade in 2022. Now on pace for one of his best seasons, he could end up back in the NL West.
Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors wrote that Abrams came up in trade conversations during the offseason. At just 25 years old, his team control also makes him a noteworthy target. He has two more seasons of arbitration and isn't set to hit free agency until 2029.
