Nationals’ CJ Abrams, James Wood named All-Stars

CJ Abrams grew up dreaming about being an All-Star starter.

Although he enjoyed being a part of the Midsummer Classic in 2024 as a reserve, hearing his name called as a starter was still on his bucket list. Abrams can check that off after he was named the National League’s starting shortstop for the July 14 game in Philadelphia.

“It’s amazing,” Abrams said after Saturday’s 7-1 loss to the Pirates. “The fans have been out every game. We’ve been out there together; they bring the electricity.”

Abrams will be the Nationals’ first shortstop to start the All-Star Game. It’s a testament to his growing maturity that he has produced enough to be named a starter over stalwarts such as Mookie Betts and Elly De La Cruz.

“It speaks volumes to the type of player that he is, starting at a premium position like shortstop,” manager Blake Butera said.

He’ll be joined in Philadelphia by right fielder James Wood, making his second All-Star appearance. The 2022 Juan Soto trade keeps on paying dividends for the Nationals. Last year, left-hander MacKenzie Gore and Wood were named All-Stars. This year, it’s Wood and Abrams.

Wood and Abrams are even-keeled individuals who are reserved. Butera informed them of their selections in front of the team, and both said a few words while remaining true to their personalities.

But, even though both players aren’t the most boisterous personalities, they garner respect from their teammates through their diligence and preparation.

“All their teammates were really fired up for them,” Butera said. “Very well deserved and pretty fired up for them.”

Abrams leads shortstops in RBIs (60), slugging percentage (.521) and weighted runs created plus (141), and he is tied for first in homers (18). He’s been arguably the best shortstop in the National League, and he has been a team leader for a young group.

He’s still prone to chasing pitches out of the strike zone, but Abrams has been better at waiting for balls that he can hit hard.

Butera has said Abrams is one of the last players to leave the clubhouse postgame because he’s getting treatment done or getting an extra lift in to ensure his body is prepared for the grind of being an everyday player.

Abrams is laid-back, with a levity to his demeanor. He might not be the most vocal leader, but he shows his teammates the necessary work ethic to play at a high level.

“What he’s done this year, both on and off the field, for our group, the numbers speak for themselves,” Butera said Friday.

And it’s easy to take Wood’s proficiency for granted. He’s first among outfielders in runs scored, second in homers (23) and sixth in weighted runs created plus (148). He also leads the National League in walks.

His knowledge of hitting has been invaluable to his teammates, who ask him about his approach.

Wood sets the tone as the leadoff hitter. He’s increased his walk rate from 12.3% last season to 15.9%. His renowned patience and stubbornness in his approach — he’s seeing a career-high 4.209 pitches per plate appearance — have allowed him to reach base at a higher clip.

That willingness to eschew chasing and take a walk has been very beneficial to a Nationals lineup that is deeper than in year’s past.

Wood said that he’s grateful to be named an All-Star again and that having experienced it last year will be informative as he navigates the hectic environment in Philadelphia.

“The first time, it was like a whirlwind,” Wood said. “I think I’ll be able to slow it down a little bit more this time and take it in.”