In 2022, the National League adopted the designated hitter. One, not nearly enough for the Washington Nationals, moving star shortstop CJ Abrams over to second base after a long season of Abrams having no idea how to play shortstop.
-5 Defensive Runs Saved this year, -11 DRS over his career. -17 Outs Above Average this season, worst among all position players. -63 Outs Above Average in his career, worst in the majors for the 2022-26 span, for any position.
CJ Abrams’s glove couldn’t catch a bouquet.
But he steps into the box with a cannon, shooting pitches around ballparks. He has 29 home runs and 23 stolen bases while leading the Majors with 91 RBIs. Slashing .284/.357/.541 with 143 wRC+, top 10 in baseball.
CJ Abrams’s bat leads the number one offense in baseball.
CJ Abrams’s glove leads a life of leisure.
What’s next for CJ Abrams in Washington?
This feels like a demotion.
CJ Abrams under Nationals control until 2028, playing through trade rumors at the deadline, almost a Yankee, New York chose to keep rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr, already a way better defender than Abrams.
Nasim Nunez isn’t the future at short for the Nats. He’s hardly the present. Batting .230/.315/.267 with a 67 wRC+. But he leads the Majors with 40 stolen bases and can field a routine ground ball. He’s only 25, like CJ Abrams, maybe the bat improves.
Doubtful.
All good, the Nationals drafted Eli Willits first overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. At 18, still breastfeeding, the Majors aren’t calling his phone anytime soon. Before Willits grabs the baton, Seaver King, gifted with the name of a superstar, 2024 first-round pick. King’s a Top 100 prospect in baseball—might find him getting some new outfits while you’re back-to-school shopping, Seaver joining the big leagues during September call-ups.
Regardless, CJ Abrams will be moving to “second base”, wink, wink.
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