CJ Abrams DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams will remain the team's leadoff hitter in 2025, according to manager Dave Martinez. Abrams held the top spot in the batting order from July of 2023 until August of last year and hit .252/.318/.441 with 111 runs scored, 35 doubles, nine triples, 28 homers, 89 RBI and 56 stolen bases. He was bumped from the leadoff spot after a second-half slump last year that included a demotion to the minors for disciplinary reasons. "CJ's done well up there," Martinez said. "I want him to lead off." It's unclear what the rest of the Nats' lineup will look like, but outfielder James Wood will probably hit second or third, with outfielder Dylan Crews also near the top of the order. The 24-year-old Abrams should be considered a top-10 fantasy shortstop thanks to his power/speed combo, but there are concerns about his plate discipline and his batted-ball metrics, as well as his maturity.

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was demoted to Triple-A Rochester earlier on Saturday due to off-field actions. Jim Bowden of CBS Sports reported that Abrams was seen at Bally Casino past 8 am before a 1 pm game, according to multiple eyewitnesses. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring this situation over the season's final week and during the offseason, as the team did not approve of his behavior. Since the start of September, the infielder has held a .271/.308/.458 line with two home runs and four stolen bases. Overall, in his second full season in the big leagues, the 23-year-old has emerged as both a power and speed threat as he hit 20 long balls and swiped 31 bags while holding a .246 AVG. The former first-round pick will likely be one of the first shortstops taken in drafts next season due to his ability to contribute to all five standard categories.

The Washington Nationals are optioning shortstop CJ Abrams to the minor leagues on Saturday, according to sources. Abrams had a breakout first half and was named to the National League All-Star squad, but he has struggled in the second half. Since the All-Star break, the former first-rounder has hit just .203 (38-for-187) with five home runs, eight RBI, 17 RBI, 10 walks, 48 strikeouts and 16 stolen bases in 49 games played to drop his season line to .246/.314/.433. The 23-year-old has still produced his first 20-20 season in his second full season in D.C. with 20 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 138 games after hitting 18 dingers and stealing a career-high 47 bags in 2023. It's an odd move, to say the least, especially with the minor-league seasons concluding on Sunday. Abrams did have four hits on Thursday and has hit .271 (13-for-48) with two homers, three doubles, three RBI and four steals in September.