The Pittsburgh Pirates are in dire need of a powerful infielder to bolster their lineup for the 2026 season. One potential trade target stands out: CJ Abrams, a slugger who has emerged as a force in baseball over the last two seasons. While acquiring Abrams may come at a high cost, he could provide the much-needed punch to the Pirates' lineup.
Abrams, currently with the Washington Nationals, has demonstrated exceptional power and speed. In 2025, he posted a .246/.315/.433 batting line with a .324 wOBA and a 107 wRC+. Despite a low walk rate (5.8% BB%), Abrams improved his strikeout rate to 19.8%, showcasing his ability to make contact. He hit 19 home runs in 635 plate appearances, contributing a .176 isolated slugging percentage. His baserunning skills are equally impressive, as he successfully stole 31 bases in 34 attempts, ranking in the 96th percentile for position players.
However, Abrams' defensive capabilities are a concern. He has struggled at shortstop, with -6 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -11 outs above average (OAA), ranking among the worst among shortstops. While his DRS was positive in 2023-2024 (+5), he has consistently posted negative OAA in consecutive seasons. This could lead to a positional shift for Abrams, potentially moving him to second base or third base, depending on the Pirates' strategy.
The Pirates' interest in Abrams is further justified by the presence of Konnor Griffin, a rising star in the organization. Griffin's rapid development positions him as a potential major league player, making a double-play duo with Abrams a strong possibility. Additionally, Abrams' youth (25 years old) and pre-arbitration status mean the Pirates won't have to offer a light trade package.
The proposed trade also includes right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows, who had a strong rookie season in 2025. Burrows posted a 3.94 ERA, 4.00 FIP, and a 1.24 WHIP over 96 innings, striking out 24.1% of opponents while walking just 7.7%. His performance improved in the second half of the season, with a 3.27 ERA, 25.1% strikeout rate, and 6.4% walk rate in the final 55 innings. Burrows' Stuff+ rating increased from 91 to 99, indicating a promising development in his pitching arsenal.
The Pirates would also send Edward Florentino and Jared Jones to the Nationals. Florentino, a top-100 prospect, had a breakout 2025 season, batting .290/.400/.548 with a .442 wOBA and 159 wRC+ in 351 plate appearances. He is a power-hitting outfielder/first baseman with a strong arm, but his defense is considered fringy. Jones, a first base prospect, hit .323/.414/.613 at LSU and has light tower power, though he struggles with contact and is limited to first base.
The Nationals, in dire need of pitching, could be interested in this package. They have a strong pitching prospect in Burrows, who could contribute as a mid-to-back-of-the-rotation arm. Florentino would become their best outfield prospect, and the Pirates' willingness to trade these players could be influenced by the presence of Justin Horowitz, a former Pirates scout now with the Nationals.
However, the Pirates must be cautious in their approach. While Abrams and Burrows are valuable, the team may prioritize Abrams' immediate impact over Burrows' potential. Florentino and Jones are promising, but their development timelines and the presence of similar prospects in the system (like Tony Blanco Jr.) could influence the trade's outcome. The Pirates must offer a substantial package to secure a potential 20/30 WAR middle infielder, understanding that Abrams is a more urgent need than Burrows.
