“He will not be extended here” – MLB analyst raises doubts over C.J. Abrams’ Nationals future amid shortstop contract demands

MLB analyst Grant Paulsen stated that C.J. Abrams will likely not receive a contract extension from the Washington Nationals. This reaction followed reports that Abrams will only discuss an extension if he remains Washington's primary shortstop, despite the club moving him to second base late in the 2026 season. Paulsen suggested that the positional impasse could prompt the Nationals to consider shopping Abrams in trade talks.

Abrams, who is under team control through 2028, posted strong offensive numbers with 33 home runs and 34 stolen bases in 2026, though he struggled defensively at shortstop. Meanwhile, analyst Jim Bowden proposed the Los Angeles Dodgers as an ideal landing spot to play him at second base, though no trade discussions between the clubs have been reported.