Abrams 'firmly in the MVP conversation'
Eric Samulski discusses the breakout campaign for Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams at the plate, who is in the MVP mix despite subpar defensive numbers.
Video Transcript
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams has been on a torrid pace in July, hitting .387 in 19 games this month, nine home runs, 14 runs scored, 22 RBIs, and six steals.
That has come with a .427 ISO and a 1.237 OPS in what has been a really hot month for the star.
And also, it has put Abrams firmly in the MVP conversation.
I know Shohei Ohtani is the favorite, but if Ohtani doesn't pitch again this year, that opens the door for somebody like Abrams, who leads all of baseball with 82 RBIs.
He's also tied for seventh in baseball with 27 homers.
This season is tied for 12th with 19 stolen bases, and he's 13th in baseball with a .295 batting average.
Now, he's also seventh in baseball in weighted runs created plus.
So it has been a true breakout offensive campaign for CJ Abrams.
However, you do hear his name a lot in trade rumors, and a lot of that has to do with his defensive value and where the Nationals can play him in the long term.
He is second among all shortstops with 15 errors this season.
He's second to last in outs above average with negative 12.
He's second to last in defensive run saves with negative four.
So there are some questions about his, his defensive home, and that could lead to a surprise trade at the deadline.
But no matter where he is, CJ Abrams has proven he's one of the best hitters in baseball right now.
