MAJOR SHAKE-UP IN D.C.: Abrams Moves to Second, Nunez Takes Short

Hold onto your batting helmets, Nats fans — the infield is getting a serious makeover.

CJ Abrams, the All-Star shortstop who has held down the position his entire time in D.C., is shifting over to second base. Manager Blake Butera dropped the news Friday, and the transition is already underway.

“Just thought this was the best thing for our team going forward,” Butera said. “We think with those two up the middle and Nasim playing more shortstop gives us the best chance.”

The All-Star’s Bat is Blazing, But the Glove...

Abrams is having an absolute monster year at the plate: 28 homers, a big-league-leading 91 RBIs, a .284 average and an .898 OPS. Nobody’s questioning his ability to hit.

The issue? The glove. Abrams leads the majors with 19 errors, and his .958 fielding percentage would be the worst of his career. That’s a tough look when you’re supposed to be the future of the franchise.

Nasim Nunez Gets the Call at Short

Sliding into the shortstop spot is Nasim Nunez, who’s been rock-solid at second with just nine errors and a .965 fielding percentage while leading the majors in range factor at second. The swap gives the Nats a sharper, more athletic spine up the middle.

Abrams, to his credit, isn’t throwing a tantrum. “That’s just where I’ve been playing my whole life,” he said. “I believe I can be a great shortstop.” But he also sees the bigger picture: “It’s not too big of a change.”

He hasn’t played second since his rookie season in San Diego, where he made 13 appearances there. So it’s not entirely foreign territory.

What’s Next for the Nats?

The organization also has top prospects Seaver King and Eli Willits — both first-round shortstops — waiting in the wings. Butera insists this move isn’t just about today; it’s about building something for tomorrow too.

“We’re thinking about all those things,” Butera said. “But ultimately, right now, what we’re trying to do is do what’s best for this team and this organization to win as many games as possible the rest of the year and also set ourselves up for next year.”

The competitor in Abrams wanted to stay at short. But the team made its call. Now we’ll see if this defensive shake-up pays off down the stretch.