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2h ago

Nationals Shift All-Star C.J. Abrams From Shortstop to Second Base

The club says the move is meant to reduce Abrams’s defensive miscues while preserving his run-producing bat and clearing a path for younger shortstops.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams attempts to turn a double play at second base as Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner slides, Image 2 shows Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams turns a double play at second base ahead of a slide by Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain
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Overview

  • Manager Blake Butera announced Friday that Abrams has begun working out at second base and will start a multiday transition to the position while still getting roughly one start a week at shortstop.
  • The decision was prompted by persistent defensive problems: Statcast and other metrics rank Abrams near the bottom of MLB shortstops for outs above average and he leads the position in errors this season.
  • Washington is keeping Abrams in the lineup because he is having a career-best offensive season with about a .284 average, roughly 29 home runs and a major-league-leading 91 RBIs.
  • As part of the swap, second baseman Nasim Nuñez will become the team’s primary shortstop, a move the Nationals say improves up-the-middle defense and gives Abrams time to adjust before the offseason.
  • The late-season change also frees roster flexibility and could speed playing-time decisions for top infield prospects such as Seaver King and Eli Willits without immediately exhausting their rookie eligibility.