Nationals’ CJ Abrams continues torrid July with Sunday’s 2-homer performance

CJ Abrams’ nickname is “The Alien.” And, in July, he’s elevated his game to another stratosphere.

With the game tied in the fifth inning, CJ Abrams continued his scintillating month, swinging at a first-pitch changeup down and out of the strike zone for a two-run, 399-foot homer.

Abrams has hit seven homers since the All-Star break, shaking off the notion of a second-half slump. He entered this season with trade rumors hovering over his head — and they will continue to linger barring a contract extension — but he’s producing at a critical juncture for the Nationals.

In Sunday’s 10-7 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Abrams broke Ian Desmond’s franchise record for homers in a season by a shortstop by clobbering his 26th, and then he hit his 27th in the fifth inning. The Nationals recorded 15 hits, and All-Star James Wood become the second player in team history to record back-to-back 30-homer seasons (Adam Dunn) by hitting two Sunday.

Abrams is arguably producing the best offensive season by a shortstop in Nationals history. His dedication to his body combined with a simplified offensive approach have allowed him to showcase the talent that made him a top prospect.

As the Aug. 3 trade deadline nears, Abrams has likely played his way out of any trade, showing that a second-half slump like those that have plagued him in the past isn’t imminent. Since the All-Star break, Abrams leads the majors in homers and RBIs (15).

Dealing Abrams would be a blow to a fanbase that has seen a litany of superstars traded and a clubhouse that has cultivated a belief in itself rooted in dedication to the fundamentals. Abrams has two more years of team control, so the Nationals don’t have to act quickly, as they do with Foster Griffin, who’s on an expiring contract.

Abrams leads major league shortstops in homers, RBIs (78), slugging percentage (.566) and weighted runs created plus (152) — the league average for wRC+ is 100.

Prying Abrams away from Washington is only increasing in difficulty with each brilliant offensive performance. It’ll likely take a significant prospect haul for president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, who doesn’t strictly adhere to spreadsheets, to move his All-Star shortstop.

Abrams’ next contract is also rising in value with every standout day. Concerns persist about his long-term viability at shortstop.

Behind Abrams and Wood’s stellar offensive seasons, the Nationals have remained in the wild-card race far longer than many people predicted. Their production was partly why Toboni addressed their pitching deficiencies by executing a shocking deal to acquire left-hander Connelly Early from Boston in what was a difficult decision because the team had to part with Curtis Mead.

“I think we all know we need pitching,” manager Blake Butera said pregame. “Hopefully when Connelly gets back from the IL he can slide right in there and help us win games.”

All the Nationals need is reliable, consistent pitching to truly be a factor in the playoff race. Their offense is potent enough to give them a chance against most teams.

This stretch before the deadline is the franchise’s most consequential since the 2019 season. Abrams is spearheading a formidable offense that will leave Toboni with tough decisions ahead of the deadline.