CJ Abrams admits his defense "could be better." It remains possible that he can still tap into his upside. Sam Navarro / Getty Images
CINCINNATI — The Washington Nationals understand the situation as well as any of us do. CJ Abrams is a preternaturally gifted player. He has a good shot at a 30-30 season and has been one of the best offensive shortstops in MLB this year.
It’s the shortstop part that complicates matters.
Since Abrams debuted in 2022, no player has committed more errors (82) or registered fewer Outs Above Average (minus-53). The highlights are there, but the consistency is not where he or the Nats need it to be. Even under new instruction, the issues have persisted.
This season has put a microscope on his predicament. His new manager is a stickler for crisp defense. His availability at the trade deadline is a talking point for teams around baseball. And his grip on the position has displaced Nasim Nuñez, a fixture in the lineup and the organization’s best defensive shortstop, who, for now, is stuck at second base.
