CJ Abrams finally got his first live-game look at second base for the Nationals on Sunday against the Miami Marlins, marking a new chapter in Washington’s effort to rework his defensive home.
The move had been in the works since Aug. 14, when manager Blake Butera said the club was preparing to shift the two-time All-Star shortstop to second. The reasoning was clear enough: Abrams has been trending toward what would be his worst defensive season at shortstop, according to advanced metrics such as outs above average and defensive runs saved, and the Nationals wanted to see whether a position change could help clean things up.
Getting to Sunday took longer than expected. Abrams and his camp were openly unhappy with the change, even though he agreed to it for the good of the team. There were also financial implications tied to the optics of a positional demotion, which made the whole situation feel delicate as he began taking reps at second without yet being fully settled there for game action.
Then came the ankle issue, which slowed the process even more. He wasn’t hurt enough to go on the injured list, but Washington kept him in the lineup by leaning on him mostly as a designated hitter so he could stay healthy.
That is why Sunday mattered. The Nationals want to see what this infield can look like with Nasim Nunez at shortstop and Abrams at second. Nunez brings strong defense, and Washington is clearly hoping that his value spikes if he can anchor the most important defensive spot on the field, even if the bat remains a major problem.
There is also a longer-range picture taking shape. Seaver King has continued to stand out in the minors and is pushing for a late-season callup. Since he has primarily played shortstop as he’s moved through the system, the idea of Abrams at second and King at short could be part of Washington’s setup until 2025 No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits is ready to reach The Show.
For now, the focus stays on Abrams and how he handles the adjustment. If the defense at second base is noticeably better, the Nationals could end up with one of the most dangerous all-around players in the majors, because his bat already gives him that kind of ceiling.
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