Nats' Toboni denies shopping Abrams amid Giants' reported pursuit
Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni strongly rejected the notion that his team is actively trying to move shortstop CJ Abrams as part of the team's rebuild.
The San Francisco Giants apparently made an aggressive push to acquire Washington's All-Star shortstop and then shift him to second base, sources told The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly. However, the sides couldn't get a deal done.
"We'll field calls. I'll give you the cliche response that probably every GM in every sport gives, which is we'd be dumb not to listen, right? But it's not something like we're calling other teams and looking to trade CJ," Toboni told 106.7 The Fan's Grant & Danny when asked whether he's had discussions with rival executives about Abrams. "And part of the reason why I say that is because I think maybe more so than anyone on our roster, our staff is excited to get their hands on CJ and really work with him from a developmental standpoint."
Toboni added: "While we'll always listen, we're gonna take it day-by-day and see what comes our way. And if there's something that makes sense, hey, we'll talk about it. But it hasn't even come close at this point in time."
When asked if he sees Abrams playing shortstop for the Nationals, Toboni replied: "I do, yes."
Even before the team dealt MacKenzie Gore to Texas for five prospects, Abrams was seen as a potential trade piece for the rebuilding Nationals. The 25-year-old is one season removed from making the All-Star team and has three years of team control (including 2026) remaining.
San Francisco was apparently willing to part with its No. 2 prospect, shortstop Josuar Gonzalez, in a deal for Abrams, according to Baggarly. Other Giants prospects reportedly discussed with Washington included left-handers Carson Whisenhunt and Jacob Bresnahan, outfielder Bo Davidson, and shortstop Jhonny Level.
Abrams, who's played 13 games at second in the majors, would've joined a strong Giants infield featuring first baseman Rafael Devers, shortstop Willy Adames, and third baseman Matt Chapman.
Instead, he'll remain a cornerstone of the Nationals for the foreseeable future. Abrams, who put up a .748 OPS with 19 homers in 144 games last season, will form one half of a rotating double-play combo with both Luis García Jr., whom Toboni said will split time between first and second, and Nasim Nuñez in 2026.
The Giants, meanwhile, must now look for a second baseman elsewhere. They reportedly held conversations with the St. Louis Cardinals about Brendan Donovan and spoke to the Chicago Cubs about Nico Hoerner earlier this winter. San Francisco was also apparently involved in trade talks with the Miami Marlins about starter Edward Cabrera before he was dealt to the Cubs, according to Baggarly.
Despite being linked to multiple top position players, San Francisco has done little this winter to improve its position player group. Potential backup catcher Daniel Susac, a Rule 5 Draft selection in December, is the only bat whom the team has added since the offseason began.
The Giants' new plan is to try and find a bat in free agency, where they're targeting veteran outfielder Harrison Bader, Baggarly reports.