The Washington Nationals announced this week that CJ Abrams, the franchise’s once‑heralded shortstop, will begin a trial at second base. The decision comes after a prolonged period in which his defensive metrics painted a bleak picture of his fielding capabilities.
Abrams’ career has been defined by a cumulative -64 Outs Above Average (OAA) at shortstop, a figure that places him among the most challenging defenders in modern MLB history. In 2026 alone, he posted a -17 OAA, the worst single‑season mark for any position, while also committing 37 fielding errors and 55 throwing errors since his debut in 2022.
A Defensive Reckoning
The move is not merely a reaction to poor numbers; it reflects a broader strategic shift. The Nationals’ front office believes that relocating Abrams to second base will allow them to better assess his arm strength, range and overall adaptability while preserving his bat in the lineup.
Abrams’ offensive output in 2026 has been a bright spot. He posted a 140 wRC+, ranking him among the top fifteen hitters in the league, and demonstrated improved plate discipline and power despite a career‑high 140 wRC+ that still left his wOBA and expected wOBA slightly divergent.
The team’s shortstop vacancy will be filled by Nasim Nuñez, a player the Nationals view as a defensive upgrade. Nuñez’s arrival signals a willingness to move on from a player whose high prospect status — selected sixth overall in 2019 — has been tempered by persistent defensive limitations.
From a broader perspective, the experiment underscores how teams are increasingly willing to re‑engineer player development pathways when defensive metrics no longer align with a club’s competitive goals. Whether Abrams can successfully transition to second base remains to be seen, but the decision marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise as they look toward the upcoming offseason.