Abrams Position Change
Nationals All-Star Shortstop CJ Abrams Shifts to Second Base, Swapping with Nasim Nuñez
The Washington Nationals are moving All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base, according to Yahoo Sports. It marks the first time Abrams will play second base since his rookie season in 2022. Shortstop is the only position he has played in his five seasons with Washington.
Manager Blake Butera confirmed the switch on Friday. Abrams will swap spots with second baseman Nasim Nuñez, who will take over at shortstop, Action News JAX reported.
Nuñez's Struggles at Second Base Drove the Switch
Nasim Nuñez has had a rough time at second base this season. He has committed nine errors and holds a .965 fielding percentage at the position, according to WHIO. Those numbers put him below the league standard for second basemen.
By moving Nuñez to shortstop and sliding Abrams to second, the Nationals hope to improve their infield defense. Abrams is widely regarded as a more sure-handed defender. The team believes his range and athleticism will translate well to the new spot.
Abrams Has Been Quietly Preparing for the Move
Abrams did not make the switch overnight. He has been working out at second base ahead of the move, BDT Online reported. The transition appears to be planned, not a rushed decision.
Still, it is a significant change for a player who earned All-Star honors as a shortstop. Abrams last played second base during the 2022 season, his first full year in the majors. That is three years of playing exclusively at short before this move.
Nationals Drafted Two Shortstops in Back-to-Back First Rounds
The move makes more sense when you look at Washington's draft strategy. The Nationals used first-round picks on shortstops in both 2024 and 2025, according to Boston 25 News. They selected Seaver King in 2024 and Eli Willits in 2025.
Both players project as future shortstops at the big-league level. By shifting Abrams to second base now, the Nationals are clearing a path for those prospects. It signals the team is building around young talent at the shortstop position long-term.
What This Means for Abrams and Washington's Future
Abrams is still a key piece of the Nationals' rebuild. Making the All-Star team as a shortstop showed he can perform at an elite level. The team is betting his bat and glove will remain valuable even at a new position.
Second base is generally considered a less demanding defensive spot than shortstop. The move could actually extend Abrams' career by reducing physical wear. For a young team still finding its footing, keeping Abrams healthy and productive is a top priority.
Sentiment
NeutralPublishers
9
Articles
9
Reach
9
