Washington Nationals Moving CJ Abrams from Shortstop

The Washington Nationals are making a significant shift within the infield.

Star CJ Abrams is shifting from shortstop to second base in arguably the biggest in-season move by the Nationals to-date under manager Blake Butera. Nasim Nunez is expected to become the primary shortstop through the duration of the 2026 season. While the move will be gradual for Abrams once both he and Nunez get comfortable, it's a statement move as Butera revealed the two sides first talked about the possibility last week with Abrams on board with the move.

Abrams is roughly one month removed from his second All Star selection, doing so as the first National to start an All Star game since Bryce Harper did so back in 2018. Yet with a chance to get comfortable at his new position, Abrams is also doing so in part because of what lies ahead within the Nationals' organization.

Butera admitted the influx of shortstop prospects between Seaver King, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Eli Willits and Ronny Cruz did play a role in the decision with King likely first up with the Nationals potentially in 2027, giving Abrams a chance to solidify the future of the infield -- or add to his trade value that only grew through a career 2026 regular season. Abrams, owning the worst field runs value among all MLB shortstops, has also struggled defensively at shortstop with teams reportedly concerned about that as a trade candidate.

Still, when his first game at second base materializes is unclear as the team announced Abrams as the starting shortstop for Friday's road opener against the New York Mets, along with Nunez still at second base.

Ahead of Friday, Abrams owns a career-high 29 home runs and 91 RBIs while slashing .284/.357/.541.

Friday's game marked the first of a nine game road trip for the Nationals.

Other notes

- Outfielder James Wood is eligible to come off the injured list beginning Friday, but the Nationals will remain patient with his progress after, per Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, hitting off the tee at 60% intensity, playing catch out to 90 feet at 65% intensity and took dry swings at 70% intensity.

- left handed pitcher DJ Herz, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was scheduled to make a rehab start on Friday night for the Harrisburg Senators

- right handed pitcher Josiah Gray, who teased a return was nearing, threw live batting practice in West Palm Beach on Friday

- left handed pitcher Connelly Early, who was acquired ahead of the deadline in exchange for Curtis Mead, is playing catch in West Palm Beach with no timeframe for a return