Nationals Move CJ Abrams to Second Base

The Washington Nationals are transitioning All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base, a significant defensive restructuring announced by manager Blake Butera ahead of a series against the New York Mets. The move, described as a multi-day process beginning around August 15, 2026, sees defensive specialist Nasim Nuñez shifting from second base to become the team's primary shortstop. Abrams is expected to play second base regularly while still making occasional starts at shortstop roughly once a week.

Butera stated the decision was made to provide the Nationals with the best defensive alignment for the remainder of the season and into 2027. "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 manager acknowledged that Abrams, a two-time All-Star, took the news well. "He kept saying, like, 'If this is what's best for the Nationals, I'm all for it.' ... That was what really made me and made us feel really good," Butera added.

Abrams, 25, expressed a competitive attachment to his lifelong position but indicated his acceptance of the team's direction. "I...