Add The New York Post on Google The Nationals are shaking up their infield.
Washington manager Blake Butera announced the team is planning to move All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base in the near future in hopes of improving the team defensively.
Abrams, who was still at shortstop for Friday’s game against the Mets, appeared mum about the move when speaking to reporters.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) attempts to turn a double play during the ninth inning at Nationals Park in Washington, District of Columbia, on August 12, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect “We’ll see how it goes,” Abrams said, according to The Athletic.
Butera, however, insisted that Abrams took the decision well and was a “total pro.”
“But he kept saying, like, ‘If this is what’s best for the Nationals, I’m all for it,’” Butera said. “And that was what really made me and made us feel really good, when he said that a few times.”
Despite being one of the best offensive players in MLB — posting a slash line of .284/.357/.541 with 29 home runs and a league-leading 91 RBIs headed into Friday’s contest — Abrams, 25, has struggled defensively, ranking last in baseball among all position players in outs above average and runs prevented, according to Baseball Savant.
Abrams will remain at shortstop roughly once a week, with defensive specialist Nasim Nuñez shifting over from second base.
Although the switch has not happened yet, the two-time All-Star was seen taking reps at second base at Citi Field on Friday.
“I play shortstop today, so I’ll be ready to go,” Abrams said ahead of Friday’s game. “That’s where I’ve been. Can take charge of the infield when I can, and play my game.”
With under two months left in the regular season, the timing of the position change comes as a surprise, but Butera said that decision was to help the Nationals win more games down the stretch.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) turns a double play during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on August 9, 2026, in Washington, District of Columbia. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect “There is no perfect time to do this,” Butera said. “I think you can make an argument like, ‘Why didn’t we do it coming out of spring training?’ It’s like, well, then we’re not giving him a chance to show if he can do it or not. Then why not do it now or next year?
“We think now is probably the best time because, one, we wanted CJ to be able to play shortstop, and especially with new coaches here and have some run to do that. But then also I think doing it now allows him a chance to, like, get some real feedback before the offseason to know what this looks like and what he’s going to have to really hone in on during the offseason to make 2027 better.”
Entering Friday’s game, the Nationals held a 60-63 record and sit five games out of the final National League wild-card spot.
