Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

CJ Abrams

Paul Christopher Abrams Jr., known professionally as CJ Abrams, is an American for the of (MLB). Born on October 3, 2000, in , Abrams bats left-handed and throws right-handed, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 191 pounds. Abrams was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round (sixth overall) of the MLB Draft out of Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in . He made his MLB debut with the Padres on April 8, 2022, and was traded to the Nationals on August 2, 2022, in a blockbuster deal that also sent pitcher and others to San Diego in exchange for . Since joining Washington, Abrams has established himself as the team's everyday , playing full seasons at the position in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Over his MLB career through the 2025 season, Abrams has appeared in 523 games, compiling a .249 with 490 hits, 59 home runs, 210 runs batted in, and 116 stolen bases, while posting a .717 percentage and 10.4 . In 2025, he enjoyed what many consider his strongest year to date, slashing .257/.314/.434 with 19 home runs, 60 RBIs, 92 runs scored, 31 stolen bases, and 3.4 across 144 games, achieving a career-high 111 OPS+. Notable achievements include his selection as a reserve in 2024—his first such honor at age 23—and earning Player of the Week honors on July 16, 2023. Abrams has also ranked highly in stolen bases, finishing third in the with 47 in 2023 and seventh with 31 in 2024.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Paul Christopher Abrams Jr., known as CJ Abrams, was born on October 3, 2000, in . He is named after his father, Paul Christopher Abrams Sr., commonly called Chris, a former Division II and NAIA player who later worked as a employee. His mother, Ruth Abrams, and father shared a close family bond with CJ, with Chris serving as his primary influence in from an early age. Abrams was raised in the Atlanta suburbs, attending school in . He began playing organized at age four, joining a Little League team where he often competed against older children, showcasing his precocious talent. His father occasionally coached these youth teams, fostering CJ's passion for the sport through consistent family involvement and encouragement. Beyond athletics, Abrams demonstrated early community involvement as a youth, volunteering for the and . These experiences highlighted his commitment to giving back even before entering high school, where he would further develop his skills.

High school career

CJ Abrams attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in , for all four years of his high school education, where he emerged as a standout known for his athleticism and left-handed hitting. During his senior year in 2019, Abrams batted .431 with three home runs, 42 runs scored, and 27 RBIs, helping lead the to the Class AAAA state semifinals. His performance earned him the Gatorade Georgia Baseball Player of the Year award, recognizing him as the top high school baseball player in the state. In the summer prior to his senior season, Abrams showcased his skills at national events, including selection to the 2018 All-American Classic, and represented the on the 18U National Team, where he started all nine games and contributed to a at the Championships. Abrams, who had committed to play college baseball at the University of Alabama, instead turned professional when the San Diego Padres selected him sixth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft; he signed a contract with a $5.2 million bonus, forgoing higher education.

Professional career

San Diego Padres

Abrams signed with the San Diego Padres for a $5.2 million signing bonus after being selected sixth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft. He was assigned to the Rookie-level Arizona League (AZL) Padres for his professional debut, where he excelled in 32 games, batting .401 with three home runs, 14 stolen bases, and a league-leading .662 slugging percentage. His performance tied him for the AZL lead in triples with eight and earned him league Most Valuable Player honors. In late August 2019, Abrams received a promotion to Low-A Fort Wayne TinCaps, appearing in two games and going 2-for-8 with a double and a stolen base. His time there was cut short by a bone bruise in his left shoulder, sustained while diving for a ball in the outfield, which placed him on the seven-day injured list and ended his season. The 2020 season was canceled due to the , limiting Abrams to intrasquad scrimmages and workouts at the Padres' alternate training site in . Abrams opened the 2021 season at Double-A , where he hit .296 with two home runs and 13 stolen bases over 42 games, demonstrating his plus speed and emerging power potential. His campaign ended prematurely on July 4 after fracturing his left and spraining his in a collision at second base. Abrams made his debut on April 8, 2022, starting at for the Padres against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 18 games with San Diego that year, he batted .250 with one and two stolen bases. On August 2, 2022, the Padres traded Abrams, along with , Robert Hassell III, James Wood, and Jarlin Susana, to the in exchange for and Josh Bell.

Washington Nationals

CJ Abrams was acquired by the in a trade with the San Diego Padres on August 2, 2022, as part of a package that sent and Josh Bell to . Following a brief stint in Triple-A , he was recalled on August 15 and appeared in 44 games for the Nationals that season, batting .258 with 17 runs scored, no home runs, 10 , and 6 stolen bases. His speed and athleticism were evident on the basepaths, though he struggled with power production in limited action. Abrams earned his first extended opportunity in 2023, his inaugural full season, where he solidified his role as the Nationals' primary . Over 151 games, he posted a .245/.300/.412 slash line, including 18 home runs, 64 , and 47 stolen bases, which ranked third in the , for the Nationals. He led the team in runs scored (83), hits (138), and (232), emerging as a dynamic power-speed threat despite a 21.0% rate. Defensively, Abrams handled 245 putouts and participated in 100 double plays at , ranking among leaders in those categories. In 2024, Abrams built on his foundation with greater offensive output and earned his first selection. Appearing in 138 games, he slashed .246/.314/.433, belting 20 home runs—his career high—while stealing 31 bases, becoming just the second Nationals player to achieve a 20-30 season. His first half was particularly strong, with a .282 average and 14 home runs before the break, though he experienced a second-half slump that tested his consistency. Abrams contributed 3.4 , highlighting his value as a infielder for the rebuilding Nationals. Abrams' 2025 campaign further showcased his growth, as he batted .257 with 19 home runs, 60 , 31 stolen bases, and a .748 over 144 games. Early in the season, he landed on the 10-day on with a right hip flexor strain sustained while attempting to steal a base, undergoing a rehab assignment before returning on April 24. Despite the setback, Abrams rebounded strongly, ranking among MLB's top young shortstops in offensive production and baserunning efficiency, with 92 runs scored and a career-best 3.4 . A late-season jammed right briefly sidelined him in , but he finished the year as a key leader in the Nationals' lineup. Throughout his Nationals tenure, Abrams has evolved into the everyday , blending left-handed power with elite speed to form a rare power-speed combination at the position. Entering his first arbitration-eligible offseason after the 2025 season, he is projected to earn around $5.6 million in 2026, positioning him as a pivotal piece in Washington's young core.

Awards and honors

Amateur and minor leagues

During his senior year at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in , Abrams was named the 2018-19 Georgia Player of the Year for , recognizing his outstanding performance that included a .431 , three home runs, and 42 runs scored. Abrams also earned selection to the 2018 All-American Classic, an elite showcase event featuring top high school prospects, where he was highlighted for his athleticism and speed as a . Internationally, Abrams represented the as a member of the 2018 USA Baseball 18U National Team, starting all nine games at the COPABE U-18 Championships and earning All-Tournament honors for his contributions in center field. In his professional debut season after being drafted sixth overall by the Padres in 2019, Abrams was named the Arizona League , leading the league with a .401 and .662 while tying for the lead with eight triples in 32 games. Abrams was selected to participate in the 2021 as a representative of the , showcasing his status as one of Baseball's top prospects at the time.

Major League Baseball

Abrams earned his first selection in 2024 as a member of the roster. This recognition highlighted his breakout performance, including 20 home runs and 31 stolen bases, which placed him among the league leaders in power-speed combinations for shortstops. In 2023, Abrams was named the Player of the Week for the period ending July 16, after batting .462 with two home runs and five stolen bases over six games. His 2025 season further showcased his speed, tying for fifth among MLB shortstops with 31 stolen bases, contributing to his reputation as a dynamic baserunner despite not earning an nod that year.

Personal life

Abrams is the son of and Abrams. He maintains a close bond with his father, who played at the NAIA level and introduced him to when he was 18 months old. Abrams has a sticker of himself and his father on the knob of his bat. Abrams has engaged in philanthropy, volunteering with the and . He has also served as a at youth camps.

References

  1. [1]
    CJ Abrams Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
    CJ Abrams Bio ; Fullname: Paul Christopher Abrams ; Born: 10/03/2000 in Alpharetta, GA ; Draft: 2019, San Diego Padres, Round: 1, Overall Pick: 6 ; High School: ...
  2. [2]
    CJ Abrams Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
    CJ Abrams ; Position: Shortstop ; Bats: Left • Throws: Right ; Team: Washington Nationals (majors) ; Born: October 3, 2000 in Alpharetta, GA us ; Draft: Drafted by ...
  3. [3]
    CJ Abrams Continues To Build His All-Star Career - mlbbro.com
    Aug 18, 2025 · Abrams has earned the starting shortstop job and has played full seasons at the demanding position in both 2023 and 2024. He solidified himself ...
  4. [4]
    CJ Abrams - Washington Nationals Shortstop - ESPN
    Birthdate. 10/3/2000 (25). BAT/THR. Left/Right. Follow. 2025 season stats. AVG .257. Tied-75th. HR. 19. Tied-95th. RBI. 60. Tied-130th. OPS .748. 82nd. Overview ...Stats · Batter vs Pitching Stats · Game Log · Full Splits
  5. [5]
    CJ Abrams earns MLB All-Star selection for Nationals
    Jul 7, 2024 · The 23-year-old was the Nationals' only All-Star named to the National League squad for the 2024 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, ...
  6. [6]
    https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-players-of-the-week.shtml
  7. [7]
    Every day is Father's Day: Nationals rising star CJ Abrams shares ...
    Jun 13, 2024 · Abrams and his wife Ruth settled in Roswell, Ga., an Atlanta suburb just north of the city. Chris had been a Division 2 and NAIA basketball ...
  8. [8]
    A Padres prospect on the move: Looking back and ahead on CJ ...
    May 7, 2020 · Chris Abrams, a FedEx employee, has worked from home for years. Now, he and his wife, Ruth, both do their jobs remotely. Meanwhile, CJ Abrams does what he can ...
  9. [9]
    Nats' CJ Abrams and Luis García form close relationship
    Mar 27, 2023 · As a child growing up in Georgia, CJ Abrams's parents kept him entertained through baseball. ... Baseball was often all that Chris and Ruth Abrams ...
  10. [10]
    A born hitter: Georgia high school star C.J. Abrams will be a speedy ...
    May 29, 2019 · Talent beyond his years. Abrams started playing youth baseball when he was 4 years old playing against 6-year-olds on a Little League team ...
  11. [11]
    Abrams relaxed, having a ball | Perfect Game USA
    Jun 14, 2018 · Chris Abrams was one of CJ's coaches during his youth baseball days but he defers all the credit for his son's development to the others, saying ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  12. [12]
    10 things to know about CJ Abrams - MLB.com
    Jun 3, 2019 · Abrams' father, Chris, told Perfect Game last June that his son has always thrived in pressure situations. “He tends to focus a little bit ...Missing: family Ruth<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    C.J. Abrams Gatorade 2018 - Georgia PLAYER OF THE YEAR
    The 6-foot-2, 182-pound senior shortstop and second baseman led the Titans (31-9) to the Class AAAA semifinals this past season, batting .431 with three home ...
  14. [14]
    CJ Abrams Class of 2019 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA
    CJ Abrams is a 2019 SS/MIF with a 6-2 182 lb. frame from Alpharetta, GA who attends Blessed Trinity Catholic HS. Long and slender athletic build, very ...
  15. [15]
    USA Baseball Reveals 2018 18U National Team Training Roster
    The 2018 18U National Team Trials roster: Name; Position; Hometown ^CJ Abrams; IF; Alpharetta, Ga. ^Mick Abel; RHP; Portland, Ore. Tyler Callihan; IF ...
  16. [16]
    C.J. Abrams - BR Bullpen - Baseball-Reference.com
    Sep 10, 2025 · At 22 years and 206 games, he was exactly the same age as Ryan Zimmerman when he had hit his first slam, and no player in Nationals or Montreal ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Padres, Draft pick CJ Abrams reach deal - MLB.com
    Jun 8, 2019 · According to sources, the Padres locked up Abrams with a $5.2 million signing bonus -- more than half a million dollars below the allotted value ...
  18. [18]
    CJ Abrams Minor Leagues Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com
    National Team: us USA (18U). Full Name: Paul Christopher Abrams. View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen. More bio, uniform, draft, salary info. 1x All-Star · 77 ...
  19. [19]
    CJ Abrams (tibia, MCL) out for season - MLB.com
    Jul 4, 2021 · Padres shortstop prospect CJ Abrams, MLB Pipeline's No. 8 overall prospect, will miss the remainder of the season while he recovers from a left leg injury.
  20. [20]
    2023 Washington Nationals Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com
    2023 Washington Nationals Statistics. 2022 Season 2024 Season. Record ... CJ Abrams*, 22, SS, 3.5, 151, 614, 563, 83, 138, 28, 6, 18, 64, 47, 4, 32 ...
  21. [21]
    CJ Abrams to injured list with right hip flexor strain - MLB.com
    Apr 12, 2025 · The Nationals placed shortstop CJ Abrams on the 10-day IL with a right hip flexor strain and recalled Nasim Nuñez prior to Saturday's 7-6 loss to Miami.
  22. [22]
    Nationals Shortstop CJ Abrams Ranks as No. 34 Best in MLB Ahead ...
    Dec 17, 2024 · Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was ranked as the 34th best player heading into the 2025 season.
  23. [23]
    C.J. Abrams, Washington Nationals, SS - News, Stats, Bio
    Nationals' CJ Abrams: Managing shoulder injury. Rotowire Sep 21, 2025. Abrams is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets due to a jammed right ...
  24. [24]
    CJ Abrams: A Future Superstar and Current Star | Federal Baseball
    May 18, 2025 · Abrams has improved as a hitter since joining Washington in 2022. His most significant jump is in his out-of-zone swinging percentage. It has ...
  25. [25]
    Nationals New Leadership Faces Manageable Projected Arbitration ...
    Oct 11, 2025 · Next is shortstop CJ Abrams' projected $5.6 million. The former All-Star shortstop was considered a cornerstone of the franchise's future ...
  26. [26]
    Blessed Trinity shortstop named Gatorade Georgia baseball player ...
    May 23, 2019 · Abrams on Thursday was named the Gatorade state baseball player of the year for Georgia. Abrams hit .431 with three home runs, 42 runs scored ...
  27. [27]
    CJ Abrams - Perfect Game
    Abrams is a three-year starter for Blessed Trinity High School and hit .404-3-22 with 37 stolen bases as a junior.
  28. [28]
    CJ Abrams | USA Baseball
    CJ ABRAMS: 2018 18U NATIONAL TEAM. Started all nine games for the 2018 18U National Team at the COPABE U-18 Pan-American Championships ... named to the All ...Missing: U18 | Show results with:U18
  29. [29]
    San Diego Padres' CJ Abrams leads AZL All-Stars | MiLB.com
    MLB.com's No. 46 prospect was named Most Valuable Player as the Arizona League announced its postseason All-Stars on Monday, an award fueled by his exceptional ...
  30. [30]
    CJ Abrams Selected to the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game
    Jun 30, 2021 · The 20-year-old Abrams is currently the 2nd ranked Padres prospect and 8th ranked in Major League baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. As of ...
  31. [31]
    How CJ Abrams became an All-Star - MLB.com
    Jul 15, 2024 · Twenty-three-year-old shortstop CJ Abrams earned his first All-Star selection in a breakout third Major League season.
  32. [32]
    Nationals' CJ Abrams Remains One of Best Young Shortstops in ...
    Oct 8, 2025 · Arguably the best year of his career, he posted a career high of 111 OPS+. Abrams also stole 31 bases for the second year in a row, but was ...