CJ Abrams is having a breakout offensive season but is struggling defensively at shortstop, ranking in the 1st percentile for Outs Above Average. With another shortstop, Nasim Nunez, excelling defensively at second base, the Nationals may consider moving Abrams to improve their infield.
Key points
CJ Abrams has a .401 OBP and .960 OPS in 2026.
Abrams ranks in the 1st percentile for Outs Above Average at shortstop.
Nasim Nunez excels defensively at second base with a +3 OAA.
The Nationals have several promising shortstop prospects in the minors.
Moving Abrams to second base could impact his contract negotiations.
Washington NationalsMinnesota Twins
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 05: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals fields against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on May 5, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 05: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals fields against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on May 5, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
2026 has been a breakout season for CJ Abrams on the offensive side of the ball, posting a .401 OBP, .960 OPS, and hitting 9 home runs entering play today. He is hitting the ball harder than ever, and his improved approach at the plate has led to a career-low strikeout rate and a career-high walk rate.
The one area Abrams has not made a stride this season is defensively, as in 36 games at shortstop this season, he ranks in the 1st percentile of Outs Above Average at -6. Many hoped Abrams could make improvements at short this season under the new regime, but unfortunately, that hasnāt been the case, as he is currently on pace for the worst defensive season of his career.
The most difficult balls for Abrams this season have been ones he has to charge in on, as heās had at least -4 OAA on those types of batted balls the last 3 years, and is up to -5 OAA on them already this season. He has been better on balls hit to his left this season, posting a -1 OAA so far this season compared to -6 in 2025, but the overall body of work at shortstop has been lackluster yet again for him.
While Abrams has been subpar at shortstop defensively, the other half of the Nationalsā middle infield, Nasim Nunez, has shone defensively, with his 3 Outs Above Average ranking in the 95th percentile in all of baseball. Nunez has struggled offensively in 2026, providing most of his value in the little things, such as bunting and baserunning, but his defensive prowess makes him a valuable ballplayer regardless.
With Abrams lack of defensive success at shortstop and Nunez, a natural shortstop, thriving at second base, itās fair to question why the Nationals donāt just flip the two defensively. Nunez would easily be the best defensive shortstop the Nats have had since , and his offensive shortcomings would be more tolerable because heās defending so well at one of the most important positions on the field.
Moving Abrams off shortstop sooner than later makes sense for the Nats long term with the abundance of shortstops they have coming up through the minor league system, including but not limited to Eli Willits, Ronny Cruz, and Seaver King.
King is the closest of that group to reaching the big leagues, currently going scorched earth to Double-A pitching, and he is well-regarded for his smooth actions at shortstop with a strong arm to go with it. Willits is a few years away from debuting in the majors, but he is already standing out at Low A for his defensive abilities.
Moving CJ Abrams to second base also slightly cheapens up a possible extension for him, as the going rate for second basemen is lower than for shortstops in the league. Problems could arise if Abrams uses his claim to shortstop in negotiations, saying he wonāt sign an extension if heās moved off his position, but after years of poor defensive play at short, Abrams doesnāt deserve to have his claim to the position completely unchallenged.
Q&A
What are CJ Abrams' offensive stats in 2026?
CJ Abrams has a .401 OBP, .960 OPS, and has hit 9 home runs so far in the 2026 season.
How does CJ Abrams rank defensively at shortstop?
Abrams ranks in the 1st percentile for Outs Above Average at shortstop, with a -6 OAA in 36 games this season.
Who is Nasim Nunez and how is he performing defensively?
Nasim Nunez is the Nationals' second baseman, ranking in the 95th percentile for Outs Above Average with a +3 OAA this season.
What are the implications of moving CJ Abrams to second base?
Moving Abrams to second base could lower his extension cost and allow the Nationals to utilize their upcoming shortstop prospects more effectively.
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