Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is on pace to have a career year offensively. The 2024 All-Star has been the catalyst offensively for Washington and is a big reason why the team is in a position to compete for a top spot in the NL East. Abrams has increased his stock value as the season has progressed and has become a player whose name has floated around regarding the trade deadline. The Nationals will have a decision to make come August 3 on whether they want to keep their shortstop or see what they can get for him in return.
CJ Abrams Is A Star Shortstop: How Long Will the Washington Nationals Be Able To Keep Him In DC?
Trade deadline aside, Abrams has stepped up significantly this season and has been one of the top shortstops offensively. Through 65 games, he’s hitting .286 with 14 home runs and 49 RBI. He ranks second in the league in RBI and is in the top 15 in OPS at. .914.
Abrams is looking like an all-star so far and has a strong chance to make his second all-star appearance. He also has the opportunity to make franchise history. No player in the history of the Nationals organization has ever started at shortstop during an All-Star Game. That all could change this year.
Could CJ Abrams Be First All-Star Starter At SS In Franchise History?
Thomas Harrrigan of mlb.com wrote about several storylines to look out for as All-Star voting is here, and he mentioned the Nationals and Abrams.
”Speaking of longstanding All-Star droughts, we could see another end at shortstop, one that extends the entire history of a franchise,” Harriman wrote. “Seven shortstops have earned an All-Star selection for the Expos/Nationals since they joined MLB in 1969. But the club has never had an All-Star starter at short.”
That would be a huge accomplishment for Abrams if he were named an All-Star starter. If he continues to perform as he has been, there’s a strong possibility of that happening.
Take That!: CJ Abrams Is Having An All-Star Season With A Rising All-Around Game
Throughout his career, his best offensive performance came during the 2025 season, where he finished with a .257 batting average with 19 homers and 60 RBI. His career-high in home runs is 20, and RBI is 65, and he’s on pace to surpass both numbers in those categories. At 25, Abrams is making a strong case for the Nationals to consider keeping him long term. While he will not be a free agent until 2029, the Nationals can look at Abrams as their centerpiece.
The Nationals have not been to the postseason since winning the World Series in 2019. Abrams is a player who can help the Nationals make a postseason push, and this could be the year that it happens.
CJ Abrams & James Wood Are Proving Washington Nationals Won Juan Soto Trade
Coming into the league, Abrams was one of the top prospects in all of baseball, and the Nationals decided to include him in a package that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres. From the looks of it, Abrams seems to be coming into his own and looks comfortable at the plate. Our MLBbro can go on to have an impactful career in the league and can become one of the best-hitting shortstops as well.
