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CJ Abrams 2023 Outlook: Former Top Prospect A Lone Bright Spot For Rebuilding Washington
2 years agoOne of the significant returns for the Washington Nationals in the trade for Juan Soto, shortstop CJ Abrams is primed for a big year at the plate. The former top-10 prospect made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2022 before joining Washington at the deadline. Although his first year in the big leagues was nothing special from an offensive standpoint–managing a measly .604 OPS across 302 plate appearances–his defense and speed made up for it. His sprint speed ranked in the 91st percentile in 2022 and was one of the things that most impressed scouts before making his debut. It's fair to boil his offensive struggles during his rookie campaign down to first-year jitters, as not all can produce at the level of Julio Rodriguez or Michael Harris II. The 22-year-old's pure hitting ability did not simply disappear overnight, and the player who slashed 331/.385/.511, logged 42 extra-base hits, and stole 42 bases across three levels in the minor leagues is looking to break out in the bigs in 2023. ATC projects Abrams to bat .256, reaching base at a .295 clip, and slug .365 with seven home runs, 48 RBI, and 16 stolen bags. His ADP of 271 is fair, but as he enters his sophomore season, the shortstop could be a potential sleeper candidate in fantasy leagues this year.
