The Boston Red Sox were expected to be a World Series contender this season, but to begin the year, the team has struggled.
Despite the slow start, Boston still could be aggressive on the trade front to further bolster its roster. One area of need is help on offense, and MLB analyst Austin Owens of FanSided predicts the Red Sox will acquire CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals.
“Over the last three seasons, Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams has quietly become one of the most consistent players across the league,” Owens wrote. “hitting at least .245 with nearly 20 homers and 60+ RBI in each of his last three campaigns. His defense at short leaves something to be desired, but at the age of 25, he is unfairly viewed more as a veteran now than a rising talent. There’s still room to grow here, and the athleticism isn’t in question.
“Look for the slumping Boston Red Sox to make a move for Abrams and improve their lineup to try and fight their way out of the AL East. They still have veteran Trevor Story as their current captain of the infield, but fans all around Boston would sleep much better at night knowing they had more consistency given Story’s sketchy recent track record. If Story was not shipped to the Nationals in this hypothetical trade, there may still be room for him in the lineup as the DH or even other positions assuming he is healthy.”
Abrams would immediately bolster the Red Sox’s offense and give the team a long-term option at shortstop. He was an All-Star in 2024 and would help Boston’s slumping offense tremendously.
Red Sox Off to Brutal Start
Boston has struggled to begin the season and manager Alex Cora knows the team has to be better.
Cora believes the team hasn’t been playing well, and called the team’s opening week not good.
“Not good. We talk about cleaning a lot stuff. Putting the ball in play, play good defense, run the bases better, and overall this whole week wasn’t great,” Cora said.
The Red Sox are 1-5 to start the, season and in last place in the AL East. Luckily for Boston, it is early and the team can turn it around. With that, Cora is preaching patience amid the slow start.
“I mean, shoot, I think I started my career 0 for 17,” Cora added. “You look up, and you see the low numbers. … One thing for sure, don’t rush yourself to get a hit, right? Stay within yourself, work the count, put up a good at-bat. I think that’s something Willson [Contreras] has done. I think Caleb [Durbin] today was able to do that, although the results weren’t there.”
Boston is set for its home opener on Friday against the San Diego Padres.
Abrams Could be Dealt
During the offseason, Abrams’ name came up in trade talks, but he wasn’t paying attention to it.
“I’ve been traded before,” Abrams said. “The rumors and stuff … if it happens, it happens. You’ve just got to keep working.”
Instead, Abrams was just focusing on the season and helping the Nationals win baseball games.
Abrams hit .257 with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs last season.
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