"Throughout Abrams' career, defensive metrics have graded him poorly. Outs Above Average, a Statcast-based statistic that accounts for the cumulative value a player is credited or debited for, has graded Abrams poorly for every season of his career. This past season, Abrams' OAA at shortstop was in the second percentile. During his four years in the big leagues, he has never posted an OAA mark above the third percentile."
"Traditional defensive evaluations also value Abrams poorly. Abrams had 22 errors at shortstop this past year, the second most in Major League Baseball. Even as a prospect, scouting reports acknowledged that Abrams' defensive outlook had "question marks" and advised that he may have to move to second base or center field. Shortstop is a premium position, and the Nationals should not play a below-average defender there."
CJ Abrams provides power, speed, and energetic leadoff production for the Nationals but rates as a well-below-average defender at shortstop. Statcast's Outs Above Average has graded him poorly every season, with this past season in the second percentile and never above the third in four years. He committed 22 errors at shortstop this past year, the second most in Major League Baseball, and scouting reports noted defensive "question marks" suggesting a move to second base or center field. Shortstop is a premium defensive position requiring extraordinary range and arm strength. Moving Abrams to a less critical position would improve run prevention and support pitcher development during the rebuild.
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