When the Washington Nationals were discussing trade packages for Juan Soto before the deadline, they demanded that the San Diego Padres included their best prospects.
There wasn’t going to be a deal without shortstop prospect CJ Abrams.
Widely considered a top-20 prospect in the league, Abrams is seen as part of the future in Washington after coming over from the Padres.
He has some maturing to do with the bat, and that’s evidenced by his .584 OPS between the two teams this year.
However, his defense is already big-league ready, and he has shown it repeatedly this past week.
“When we were told CJ Abrams won @MLB‘s Electric Play of the Week, we literally had to ask, ‘Which one?’ Congrats, @CJAbrams01!” the Nationals Twitter account posted.
When we were told CJ Abrams won @MLB's Electric Play of the Week, we literally had to ask, "Which one?"
Congrats, @CJAbrams01!#NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/4EnqNOMWJi
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 12, 2022
Abrams is quick and nimble, so he can make diving stops and recover in time to make an accurate, strong throw to any base.
Abrams Has The Tools To Be An Impact Defender Right Away
In this particular play, Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm hit a hard grounder to the hole.
Abrams used his incredible range to get to it, quickly recovered, and threw out the runner at first base.
It was an impressive display of defense.
If Abrams’ offense catches up to his defense one day, he will be a perennial All-Star.
He has potential to hit around 15 home runs and steal about 30 bases at peak.
Think of an early-career Trea Turner as his comparison, with a bit less power and speed.
Of course, Turner went on to become one of MLB’s best players, so if Abrams becomes half the player Turner currently is, the Nats will be thrilled.
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