CJ Abrams Can Make Nationals/Expos History With All-Star Nod Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is on the verge of securing his second All-Star selection, a milestone that could etch his name into the franchise’s history books. The Nationals, formerly the Montreal Expos, have long struggled to produce All-Star shortstops, but Abrams’ elite season has positioned him as the most likely candidate to break that drought. With a .293 batting average, 12 home runs, 47 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and the highest OPS (.919) among qualified shortstops, Abrams has dominated the National League’s shortstop position this season. Abrams’ performance has placed him in a tight race for the All-Star starting spot, with Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez as his primary competitor. Lopez leads in batting average (.332) and is also a strong contender for the starting role. However, Abrams holds the edge in key advanced metrics, including on-base percentage (.381) and slugging percentage (.522), while tying with Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz in home runs (12) and hits (65). De La Cruz, however, is sidelined with a right hamstring strain, reducing the competition to a duel between Abrams and Lopez. The Nationals’ historical context adds significance to Abrams’ potential All-Star nod. Since the Expos joined Major League Baseball in 1969, only seven shortstops have earned All-Star selections, including Trea Turner (2021), Ian Desmond (2012), Wil Cordero (1994), Hubie Brooks (1986 and 1987), and Cristian Guzmán (2008). None of these players were named the starting shortstop, leaving a void in the franchise’s All-Star history. Abrams, if selected as the starting shortstop, would become the first Expos/Nationals player to achieve that honor. MLB.#washington_nationals #cj_abrams #elly_de_la_cruz #otto_lopez #montreal_expos
