In 2025 Abrams was worth -11 Outs Above Average after posting -18 OAA in 2024. Last season, he was at -6 Defensive Runs Saved. The time to move him off shortstop, perhaps to second base, is now. Move on from Luis Garcia, who had a -17 DRS, and “improve” your second base defense in a half joking way.
I still think that Abrams is a plus player and a good bat for the Nationals lineup. He’s improved at the plate and is still young enough to have some upside. But, in order for him to truly be the best player he can be, the challenges at short will need to end.
Sure, this creates a hole at short. Sign a veteran and worry about that down the line. You have drafted some short stops in recent years who could take over.
Final Thoughts
The Nationals will have their first offseason under a new front office which is always hard to predict. However, we know they are not contenders which will eliminate a number of the top free agents. They don’t have a robust system which will make impact trades difficult.
Is what I outlined boring and, in the best case, an 82-win team? Yes. But it would be irresponsible not only of me, but of the front office, to do something so drastic that they risk even more long term damage.
Like it or not, the Nationals are heading towards another year of player evaluations.