What’s Next for CJ Abrams? Washington Nationals’ Key Decision at Shortstop

With new leadership in the Nationals’ front office, the 2025 offseason promises to be an interesting period of change and decision-making. One of the key questions surrounding the team is what they plan to do at shortstop. CJ Abrams will become eligible for salary arbitration after the 2025 season, giving him the opportunity to negotiate a higher salary.

Projections estimate his arbitration salary for 2026 could be around $5.6 million. Looking further ahead, Abrams is expected to become a free agent in 2029. The Nationals also recently drafted Eli Willits, who, while still a ways away from making his major league debut, represents a potential future option at shortstop. How the Nationals handle Abrams’ role at shortstop—and whether he remains their long-term solution at the position—will have major implications for the team’s roster construction and competitive future.

Abrams is undeniably a talented player with an exciting offensive upside. Multiple teams will express interest, believing they can fix his defensive inconsistencies and unlock his full potential. However, the Nationals should demand a massive return if they consider trading him, as his upside remains significant. His youth, speed, and power potential make him an asset worth developing further. Trading Abrams prematurely would send a negative signal about the organization's confidence in its homegrown talent and could disrupt fan engagement, especially given his exciting style of play.

The biggest question mark with Abrams is his defensive fit. While previously considered the franchise shortstop, it has become clear that Abrams is not the steady, sure-handed defender the team needs at shortstop. Defensive lapses have been frequent and noticeable, including foot placement, hand positioning, and routine errors. These shortcomings limit his ability to handle the demanding responsibilities of shortstop on a contending team, where defensive reliability is at a premium. From a strategic perspective, teams vying for playoff success need a shortstop they can trust in high-leverage defensive situations, and Abrams’ current skill set does not yet meet that standard.

The most logical solution is to move Abrams to second base. This transition plays to his offensive strengths and mitigates defensive liabilities. Second base is generally considered less demanding defensively than shortstop, and there is a longer track record of players successfully making that switch. With the Nationals’ new analytics-driven approach under Paul Taboni, the team could invest in refining Abrams' defensive mechanics, enhancing his footwork and positioning at second base. This move also allows the team to keep his bat and speed in the lineup, key components to their offensive strategy. If Abrams develops into an above-average defender at second, his overall value and contribution to the team will significantly increase.

Abrams had a strong 2025 season with notable achievements. He ranked in the National League tied for 7th in doubles (35) and tied for 9th in stolen bases (31). He reached base in 16 straight games from April 25 to May 11, matching a career-high, and hit safely in 10 consecutive games during that streak—his second career hitting streak of 10 or more games. Abrams stole his 100th career base on June 18 against Colorado, with 115 of his 116 career stolen bases coming as a National. He set a Nationals record by being hit by a pitch three times in one game on May 31 and ranked 10th in the NL with 14 hit-by-pitches for the season. Between June 10 and July 19, in 32 games, he hit .328/.386/.542 with nine doubles, two triples, five home runs, 16 RBIs, 11 walks, nine stolen bases, and 27 runs scored. He also produced his third career walk-off hit on August 6 with an RBI single against Oakland. Despite missing 11 games due to a right hip flexor strain in April, Abrams maintained production with runners in scoring position, hitting .246 with 2 home runs and 37 RBIs. His career home run total stands at 59.

This statistical snapshot illustrates Abrams’ dynamic offensive impact for the Nationals in 2025. His combination of power, speed, and on-base skills makes him a rare offensive weapon, especially valuable in the National League landscape where generating runs efficiently is critical.

While Abrams currently dominates the conversation, the Nationals’ recent selection of Eli Willits injects a promising long-term prospect into the shortstop discussion. Willits, a younger player still developing in the minors, offers a potential future solution at shortstop if Abrams transitions successfully to second base or another position. This layered approach to the middle infield allows the Nationals flexibility and depth as they build toward contention. Gradually integrating Willits with careful development could ensure a smooth succession plan rather than rushing prospects prematurely.

Moving Abrams to second base inevitably leaves a hole at shortstop. Fortunately, the Nationals have Nasim Nuñez, who could be an elite defensive shortstop with a strong arm and smooth defensive actions. If Nuñez can continue to improve offensively, he is well positioned to anchor the position. Alternatively, the Nationals might explore trades or free agency to bring in a complementary shortstop to solidify the infield defense, especially in the team’s expected competitive window. Prioritizing defense at shortstop while maximizing Abrams’ offensive upside at second should be the guiding principle.

As the 2026 season approaches, trade rumors involving Abrams are expected but will likely not originate from the Nationals’ front office. The best strategic move is to extend Abrams' contract and transition him to second base. This approach maximizes his strengths, addresses his weaknesses, and aligns with the team’s evolving roster needs. Combined with the development of prospects like Eli Willits and solidifying shortstop defense with Nasim Nuñez, or external options, this plan balances present competitiveness with sustained future growth. Maintaining Abrams as a cornerstone player while managing positional flexibility will enhance the Nationals’ ability to build a playoff-caliber team in the coming years.