Two of the biggest names on the Nationals have avoided arbitration and have come to terms on deals for the 2026 season. Paul Toboni was able to avoid arbitration with both CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. With their salaries confirmed for 2026, it could potentially kick start trade talks, especially for Gore.
Earlier today, Andrew Golden reported that the Nationals and CJ Abrams agreed to a $4.2 million deal to avoid arbitration. This is Abrams first year in arbitration, which is why the number is a bit lower.
According to the projections, it seems like the Nats got a good deal here. MLB Trade Rumors projected Abrams to make $5.6 million in arbitration. Given it was Abrams first arb year, that projection seemed high. That turned out to be true, as Abrams signed for $1.4 million less than that. It is also good to see the two sides come together to make a deal without any drama.
Relationships can be harmed in the arbitration process. If the two sides can’t come to an agreement, they go to an arbitration court. In that hearing, the team is basically arguing about why they should pay a player less. It does not sound like a fun situation to be in.
While Abrams got less than his projection, MacKenzie Gore made almost a million dollars more than expected. MLB Trade Rumors projected he would make $4.7 million. However, Gore and the Nats agreed to a deal that pays him $5.6 million.
Unlike Abrams, Gore is in his second year of arbitration. Last season, Gore made $2.89 million. After a season where Gore made the All-Star team, he is getting a nice raise. It feels like MLB Trade Rumors projection for Gore would have been more accurate for Abrams and vice versa.
Earlier in the offseason, the Nats agreed to terms with Josiah Gray and Riley Adams. Gray is making $1.35 million, the same amount as last season, which he missed recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Adams is on a split deal that pays him $1 million if he is in the MLB and $500K if he is in the minors.
Luis Garcia Jr., Cade Cavalli and Jake Irvin are the only Nats in arbitration yet to sign. Cavalli and Irvin are in the first year of arbitration, which usually gets handled smoothly. However, Garcia is later in the process. I would not be surprised if the Nats go to arbitration with Garcia.
The $7 million dollar projection for Garcia is high, which is why he was considered a non-tender candidate. However, the Nats decided to tender him a contract. It is likely that the Nats will want to get Garcia on a deal under that $7 million number. We will see how that goes.
Arbitration is an important part of the offseason and these deals give us a better picture of the Nats salary structure. It may also help facilitate a MacKenzie Gore trade now that other teams know what he is making next year and do not have to have an arbitration battle. We will update you guys if other players sign.
