CJ Abrams Moves to Second Base Amid MLB-Leading 19 Errors

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is moving to second base despite a career-best .884 OPS and 28 home runs this season.

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is transitioning to second base after recording a Major League-leading 19 errors through August 18, 2026. The two-time All-Star currently holds a .959 fielding percentage, his lowest mark since his rookie campaign with the San Diego Padres, where he posted a .955 percentage while splitting time between second base and the outfield. Abrams is just three errors shy of matching his career-high total of 22, previously set during both the 2023 and 2025 seasons.

Manager Blake Butera announced the defensive shift on Friday, confirming that Abrams will swap positions with second baseman Nasim Nunez. While the move addresses defensive struggles, Abrams is currently producing career-high offensive numbers, including 28 home runs, 91 RBIs, and a .278 batting average. His .884 OPS highlights a breakout year at the plate, even as the club seeks to stabilize a middle infield that has seen Abrams play exclusively at shortstop during his five-year tenure in Washington.

Agent Mike Sanders Addresses Defensive Reassignment

Mike Sanders of Roc Nation Sports told The Athletic that his client is "not thrilled" about the defensive relocation. Sanders emphasized that Abrams views himself as a shortstop both in the short-term and long-term, noting that a full evaluation of the player's potential at that position has not yet been completed. Despite these personal reservations, Sanders stated that Abrams' priority remains winning games and functioning as a team-first player for the organization.

Abrams is under contract with the Nationals through the 2028 season. Sanders reiterated that as long as the infielder remains in D.C., his focus will be on being the best teammate possible. The agent noted that while the 2026 National League All-Star starter is unhappy with the change, he will comply with the coaching staff's directive to move across the second-base bag to help the team move forward.

Front Office Perspective on Identity and Performance

Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni acknowledged the difficulty of the transition, stating that he understands why the player is upset. Toboni described the shortstop position as a significant part of Abrams' baseball identity, noting it would be concerning if the player did not have a strong emotional reaction to the news. The executive clarified that the decision was made after considering how the impact would affect Abrams personally, given his status as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Toboni expressed that the organization's job is to weigh all factors before deciding on the best path for the roster. He emphasized that the move was communicated directly to both Abrams and Sanders. The front office maintains that the shift is the best strategic choice for the team's future, despite Abrams never having played a position other than shortstop since joining the Washington club five years ago.