The Boston Red Sox are 52-49 and hold one of the American League wild card spots. Currently 9-1 in their last 10 games, they are also just 6.5 games back from the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead in the AL East.
While they began the season slowly, which led to the firing of manager Alex Cora, the Red Sox have turned things around and become serious postseason contenders. With the trade deadline set for Aug. 3, Boston is expected to seek some upgrades for its roster.
With Trevor Story on the 60-day injured list with a sports hernia, and Andruw Monasterio having a .742 OPS in 166 at-bats, shortstop is viewed as a need. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Red Sox are interested in Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams.
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"They’ve got plenty of money in the coffers after unloading Rafael Devers last summer, and have no hesitancy acquiring big stars," Nightengale wrote. "They made attempts to acquire Angels center fielder Mike Trout in the past, and this time have their eyes on Angels shortstop Zach Neto or shortstop C.J. Abrams from the Washington Nationals."
The 25-year-old is putting together an impressive season with the Nationals. He's appeared in 99 games, accumulating 62 runs scored, 106 hits, 24 home runs, 76 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He is also slashing .286/.359/.544 for a .903 OPS.
After being named to his second All-Star Game this season, he is establishing himself as one of the top young stars in MLB. What makes him an even more attractive trade target is his contract situation. With two more full seasons of arbitration, the shortstop isn't set to hit free agency until the 2029 season.
With the trade deadline approaching, Abrams could give Boston both an immediate upgrade at shortstop and a controllable cornerstone of the future. Whether the Nationals make him available is uncertain, but the Red Sox appear poised to upgrade their roster.
