Despite recent struggles, CJ Abrams has had a mostly successful offensive season. However, he has not seen improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Over the last few weeks, the defensive struggles have become noticeable, and the errors are beginning to mount. With defense being such an essential part of the shortstop position, questions are starting to mount about Abrams’s future.
Possible Position Move Necessary for CJ Abrams
Depending on the numbers, they paint different pictures of Abrams defense. Defensive runs were saved, and Ultimate Zone Rating metrics graded him out positively. However, the Baseball Savant fielding metrics paint a different story. He has the worst Fielding Run Value among shortstops by a longshot, with -10 FRV. He ranks in the 1st percentile for outs above average, with -14. This is coming off a 2023 season, where he also graded out negatively at shortstop. MLB’s own fielding metrics view Abrams as a major negative at shortstop. He has all the athleticism and has shown flashes but has not yet been able to figure it out on defense.
The Eye Test
For most of the season, Abrams has not looked as bad as his numbers have been. He has cut down on his errors and has been making fewer mental mistakes. Former player Trevor Plouffe even said as much on the Talkin Baseball podcast. However, a lack of range has hurt Abrams numbers. There are a lot of times when Abrams tries to make a diving play, but his glove is too high, and the ball gets under his glove. When he makes tough plays in the hole, he tends to spike balls into the ground and allow the infield to hit.
Abrams cannot get to balls that a good defensive shortstop gets to. Abrams was making the routine plays earlier in the season, but now he is starting to press. He has made some errors in the last couple of weeks, including a play that cost the Nationals the game against the Atlanta Braves. Abrams is a talented player with immense upside but has not put it together defensively.
OH NO NATIONALS, A BRUTAL ERROR GIFT WRAPS A BRAVES WALK OFF WIN AS ATLANTA WINS OVER WASHINGTON 3-2 pic.twitter.com/ZkWTwqIHOy
— MLB Clutch Moments And Walk Offs (@MLBWalk_Offs) August 24, 2024
Potential Position Change
The question of a position change is starting to brew with Abrams, especially with the Pittsburgh Pirates moving their young shortstop, Oneil Cruz, to the outfield. Abrams has the athleticism to play in centerfield at a high level. However, the Nationals have Jacob Young, the best defensive centerfielder in baseball and Dylan Crews, a natural centerfielder. Second Base is also a potential option to take pressure off his average arm, but Luis Garcia Jr. has had a breakout season.
This makes a position change difficult so that the team will stick with Abrams at short for next season. The best case for everyone is for Abrams to make improvements. He is only 23 years old, so he has time to improve. However, it puts the Nationals in a tricky situation if he does not. It is something that might have to be discussed during the offseason.
Main Photo: © Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
