We’ve reached the final week of the year, so it’s time to look back at the Nationals’ most significant stories of 2024. We continue the series today with CJ Abrams’ wild, up-and-down season …
Had you been asked on Opening Day to pick the Nationals player most likely destined for a breakout season, you very well might have said CJ Abrams.
The young shortstop had made some significant strides during the second half of the 2023 season, whether at the plate, on the bases or in the field, and there was real optimism about his chances of putting it all together in 2024.
And for a prolonged stretch, that’s exactly what he did, living up to the lofty expectations and establishing himself as the best player on this up-and-coming team. Until he slumped badly in the second half, then shockingly saw his season end not in Washington but in West Palm Beach following a disciplinary demotion.
Let’s start with the good stuff. Abrams stormed out of the gates with a blistering opening month. At the end of April, he was batting .295 with a .373 on-base percentage, .619 slugging percentage, 16 extra-base hits (seven of them homers) and seven stolen bases. It was a breakthrough in the best possible way.