Nationals' James Wood, CJ Abrams Named Silver Slugger Finalists

A pair of Washington Nationals stars drew a deserving honor on Thursday.

Both shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood were named finalists at their positions in the National League for the Silver Slugger.

The duo were part of a monster turnaround for the Nationals in 2026, who finished top five across the league as a team in OPS, runs, double and slugging percentage in addition to top ten in multiple other categories. Wood and Abrams were a big part of the continued success through 2026.

In his third season with the organization, Wood recorded career highs in batting average, OBP, slugging and OPS while matching his 2025 stats with a 3.7 WAR. Wood eclipsed 30 home runs for the second consecutive season while adding 77 RBIs, in addition to cutting down on his near record-setting strikeout rate in 2026. Wood was limited toward the end of 2026 after suffering an oblique strain, leading the two time All Star to suit up in 135 games.

Abrams, meanwhile, was on pace for a career season and nearly set new highs by the All Star break after eventually eclipsing 100 RBIs in a regular season for the first time in his career. Abrams also recorded career highs in batting average, OBP, slugging and OPS while leading the team with a 5.1 WAR. Abrams also recorded 30 doubles and 33 home runs while also recording at least 30 stolen bases for the third consecutive season. Abrams became just the second player in franchise history to record at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season, in addition to just the third across all of MLB in 2026.

After the two teamed up to join Foster Griffin as the Nationals' representatives in the 2026 All Star Game, both Wood and Abrams proved themselves as key parts of the organization's foundation. With the offseason now in full swing, the attention has steadily shifted toward whether the Nationals lock up both long-term after reports surfaced that the front office is expected to explore contract extensions with both Wood and Abrams this offseason. Abrams also previously found himself at the source of trade rumors and speculation with the latest rumors pointing to the Boston Red Sox as a team expected to re-engage with the Nationals this offseason, though president of baseball operations Paul Toboni has remained consistent that the front office has not shopped, rather evaluated, incoming interest into the offseason.